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Medals, Honours and Awards

Each individual that served during World War Two was entitled to receive service medals, appropriate to the time and place he/she served. These medals were normally noted on the individual’s discharge papers. In addition, an individual may have earned honours and/or awards for bravery or service with distinction. These may or may not have appeared on the individual’s discharge papers.

This page lists the most common service medals as well as honours and awards received by Cape Bretoners.

In my database I have identified 208 individuals from Cape Breton that received additional honours and/or awards during World War Two The following list identifies those I currently have in my databse. If anyone can add to this list please contact me.

Honours and Awards presented to Cape Bretoners during World War Two, in order of merit:

Commander, Order of the Bath

A/M Harold (Gus) Edwards Royal Canadian Air Force

Commander, Order of the British Empire

G/C Clarence R. (Larry) Dunlap Royal Canadian Air Force

H/Brig. Ronald Cameron[Rev. Fr.] MacGillivray Canadian Chaplain Services

Distinguished Service Order

S/L Colin Francis Campbell Royal Air Force

A/Lt. Col. Donald Frederick Forbes North Nova Scotia Highlanders

Cmdr. Harry (The Horse) Freeland Royal Canadian Navy Reserve

Lt. Col. Sylvester (Syl) MacKinnon Cape Breton Highlanders

Lt. Col. Robert Boyd Somerville Cape Breton Highlanders

Officer, Order of the British Empire

Lt. Col. Thomas Edward Guy Canadian Provost Corps

Lt. Col. James Arnold Noble Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps

Member, Order of the British Empire

Capt. St. Clair Allen Canadian Merchant Navy

Maj. Clarence Melville [Dr.] Bethune Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps

WO I John Butterworth

RQMS Henry Cantwell Cape Breton Highlanders

QMS WO I Harold Robbins Cotton Royal Canadian Artillery

A/Lt. Col. Michael Reginald Dare 4th Canadian Armoured Division

Maj. Edgar Fortune Cape Breton Highlanders

Maj. John Foxe Canadian Postal Corps

Maj. Archibald A. MacDonald Royal Canadian Artillery

CSM James Bernard MacInnis Royal Canadian Artillery

Lt. Col. Bernard Francis [Dr.] Miller Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps

Maj. Max Morris Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers

Philip D. Townsend Canadian Merchant Navy

Member, Order of the British Empire (Civil Divison)

Suprv. Wensley Ritchie MacCoy Canadian Auxiliary Services

Royal Red Cross Award, 1st Class

Maj. Hilda Mae Boutilier Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps

Capt. Mary Belle MacNeill Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps

Distinguished Service Cross

Lt. Cdr. James Philip Fraser Royal Canadian Navy Reserve

Lt. David Lloyd Miller Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve

Military Cross

Maj. Perry Lewis Cadegan Royal Canadian Corps of Signals

Capt. Donald Alexander Campbell Cape Breton Highlanders

Capt. David Gaum Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps

Capt. Rhindress Ian Grant Royal Canadian Artillery

Pte. Walter Harris MacLeod Canadian Scottish Regiment

Maj. Gordon Leo French MacNeil West Nova Scotia Regiment

Lt. Arthur Bruce McDonald Royal Winnipeg Rifles

Lt. Colin Douglas Nickerson Princess Louise Fusiliers

Distinguished Flying Cross

F/O Norman Thomas Adams Royal Canadian Air Force

P/O Hubert George (Bertie) Bishop Royal Canadian Air Force

F/L Ralph E. Britten Royal Canadian Air Force

S/L Colin Francis Campbell Royal Air Force

F/O Michael John Campbell Royal Canadian Air Force

F/L Loran Wendell Farris Royal Canadian Air Force

F/L Leo Alton Fownes Royal Canadian Air Force

F/L William Alexander (Bill) Gardiner Royal Canadian Air Force

F/O Edgar William (Gill) Gillis Royal Canadian Air Force

F/O W.E. Gillis Royal Canadian Air Force

F/L Aaron E. Glustein Royal Canadian Air Force

F/O Harold Harvie Harding Royal Canadian Air Force

F/L James Thomas (Tommy) Head Royal Canadian Air Force

P/O Francis Albert Kay Royal Canadian Air Force

S/L James Cameron (Jim) Lovelace Royal Canadian Air Force

F/L Allan Charles MacDonald Royal Canadian Air Force

F/L Harry Burns MacDonald Royal Canadian Air Force

F/L Howard (Bud) MacDonald Royal Canadian Air Force

F/O Arthur James MacLeod Royal Canadian Air Force

F/O Daniel Thomas (Dan T.) MacNeil Royal Canadian Air Force

F/L John Joseph MacNeil Royal Canadian Air Force

P/O Malcolm MacNeil Royal Canadian Air Force

F/L (WOp) Alfred John Miles Royal Canadian Air Force

F/O John Walter Murray Royal Canadian Air Force

P/O John James O'Handley Royal Canadian Air Force

F/L Bernard Harold (Ben) O'Neil Royal Canadian Air Force

S/L Percy Edwin (Eddie) Spence Royal Canadian Air Force

F/L Samuel Thomas Taylor Royal Canadian Air Force

F/L Gordon William Troke Royal Canadian Air Force

Distinguished Flying Cross+ 1 Bar

F/L Patrick Crosby (Patsy) Cadegan Royal Canadian Air Force

Distinguished Flying Cross+ 2 Bars

S/L George Urquhart Hill Royal Canadian Air Force

Air Force Cross

WO2 Tom Lindsay Royal Canadian Air Force

W/C Maurice Lipton Royal Canadian Air Force

S/L Lewis Beatteay Stevenson Royal Canadian Air Force

W/C Edwin Mountford (Teddy) Williams Royal Canadian Air Force

Associate Royal Red Cross Medal

Lt. (NS) Mildred Rose Pride Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps

Lt. (NS) Doris Douglas Salton Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps

Distinguished Conduct Medal

CQMS Austin Bennett North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment

Sgt. John (Jack) Bewsher West Nova Scotia Regiment

L/Sgt. Patrick Jerome Jessome Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers

Sgt. Michael Bernard MacDonald Cape Breton Highlanders

Sgt. Alexander Ross MacLeod 1st Hussars (6th Armoured)

CSM WO II John Hugh MacQueen Cape Breton Highlanders

Maj. Arnel R. Milburn Royal Canadian Artillery

CSM Joseph Winston Oldford Cape Breton Highlanders

Military Medal

CQMS David Leo Bellefontaine Cape Breton Highlanders

Bdr. Henry Courtney Brewer Royal Canadian Artillery

Pte. Robert Basil Crane 48th Highlanders of Canada

Cpl. Francis Archie Hannigan Irish Regiment of Canada

Spr. John Henry Hawkins Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers

L/Cpl. Fraser Peter Hutchinson Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers

Sgt. Hezekiah Daniel MacCormack Cape Breton Highlanders

Pte. Allan MacDonald Royal Hamilton Light Infantry

Tpr. George MacLean Calgary Regiment (Tank) (14th Canadian

Pte. Angus Donald MacLeod Cape Breton Highlanders

Sgt. John Alexander MacLeod West Nova Scotia Regiment

Pte. Donald Angus (Dan) MacNeil North Nova Scotia Highlanders

Sgt. Philip MacPhail Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers

L/Sgt. John Joseph Martin North Nova Scotia Highlanders

L/Sgt. George John Lionel Meadows Royal Canadian Regiment

Sgt. Raymond Joseph Noonan North Nova Scotia Highlanders

Sgt. Frank O'Connell

L/Cpl. Alexander (Slugger) Vingar West Nova Scotia Regiment

Cpl. Henry Seward Waye West Nova Scotia Regiment

L/Sgt. Francis Allister (Allie) Wood Cape Breton Highlanders

Miltary Medal + Bar

L/Cpl. Charles Joseph Harte Cape Breton Highlanders

Distinguished Flying Medal

WO2 Nolan Butts Royal Canadian Air Force

Sgt. Robert Francis Cromarty Royal Canadian Air Force

P/O Ronald MacLeod Royal Canadian Air Force

British Empire Medal

SBPO Roger Phillipe Arsenault Royal Canadian Navy Reserve

Sgt. Bertha Margaret Hinkley Canadian Women's Army Corps

Cpl William James (Bill) Johnston Royal Canadian Air Force

Sgt. Roy Everett LeDrew Canadian Provost Corps

QMS James Hector (Hec) MacKay Royal Canadian Artillery

Cpl. Murdoch Matheson Canadian Provost Corps

Pte. Mary Lillian Quinlan Canadian Women's Army Corps

S/Sgt. James William Ryan Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps

Pte. Alexander Smith Royal Canadian Army Service Corps

Cpl. Harold Robert Stewart Royal Canadian Air Force

Canadian Efficiency Medal

Sgt. Herbert (Harold) E. Archer 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion

A/Lt. Col. Donald Frederick Forbes North Nova Scotia Highlanders

Sgt. Piper William Bernard (Willie the Gillis Cape Breton Highlanders

Spr. C.E. Hilton Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers

BSM Earle V. MacInnis Royal Canadian Artillery

CSM James Bernard MacInnis Royal Canadian Artillery

Maj. J.I. MacLean Cape Breton Highlanders

WO2 Cecil E. Merlin Royal Canadian Artillery

Lt. John Roger Mitchell Royal Canadian Corps of Signals

Gnr. Francis Muise Royal Canadian Artillery

CQMS Frank R.E. Rowe Cape Breton Highlanders

Pte. Henry William (Harry) Walsh West Nova Scotia Regiment

Commended for Valuable Services

F/O John Thomas Bryden Royal Canadian Air Force

Mentioned in Despatches

Ldg. Ck. John Adams Royal Canadian Navy Reserve

Cpl. Frank Norman Andrecyk North Nova Scotia Highlanders

L/Cpl. George Arbuckle North Nova Scotia Highlanders

Capt. Eugene Campbell (Buzz) Bannerman Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical

L/Cpl. James William Barlow Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers

CQMS Austin Bennett North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment

L/Sgt. Walter Francis Briand Cape Breton Highlanders

CEA James Edward Brophy Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve

A/P/O Creighton Benjamin Bungay Royal Canadian Navy Reserve

Pte. Charles Kenneth Chandler Canadian Provost Corps

Engineer Samuel A. Clarke Royal Canadian Navy Reserve

CQMS Michael Danyluk Cape Breton Highlanders

LAC John William Denney Royal Canadian Air Force

Maj. Henry Ewen Dickson Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers

PO Peter Wilfred Doary Royal Canadian Navy Reserve

RSM WO 1 Archibald Dunlop Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers

L/Sgt. John Joseph Eddy Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers

L/Bdr. Murdock A. Ferguson Royal Canadian Artillery

Sigmn. Harry Sylvester Ford Royal Canadian Corps of Signals

Sgt. Frank Greene Cape Breton Highlanders

Pte. George Thomas Hardy Army

L/Cpl. Charles Joseph Harte Cape Breton Highlanders

Pte. Alphonsus Hickey Cape Breton Highlanders

Pte. Stephen Humeniuk Cape Breton Highlanders

L/Cpl. Garfield Archibald Ivany Royal Regiment of Canada

F/O James Alfred Jackson Royal Canadian Air Force

Maj. John R. Johnson Cape Breton Highlanders

F/L Richard James Jones Royal Canadian Air Force

CPO Morton Harry Keeler Royal Canadian Navy

CPOMM Hubert L. LeBlanc Royal Canadian Navy Reserve

Sgt. Leo Lighter Canadian Intelligence Corps

Sgt. Charles Evans Peter MacAulay Royal Canadian Army Service Corps

F/L John Bernard MacDonald Royal Canadian Air Force

Sigmn. Melvin MacDonald Royal Canadian Corps of Signals

Sect/O Edith Cavell MacInnes Women's Division, Royal Canadian Air Force

LAC Arthur MacKinnon Royal Canadian Air Force

Lt. (NS) Elizabeth Claire MacKinnon Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps

Sgt. Francis John MacKinnon Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers

Pte. Herbert MacLean Cape Breton Highlanders

AB Thomas Alexander MacMullin Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve

Pte. Francis J. MacNeil West Nova Scotia Regiment

F/O (N) Hugh Columba MacNeil Royal Canadian Air Force

Tpr. Wilfred P. Maillet

LAC Alexander Lauchlin Matheson Royal Canadian Air Force

G/C Edwin Archibald McGowan Royal Canadian Air Force

ERA 2 Daniel McPhee Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve

Pte. Michael Melnick Cape Breton Highlanders

Cpl. Henry Lemuel Mills Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical

Maj. Max Morris Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers

Maj. Ernest Fraser Munro Royal Canadian Army Service Corps

Spr. Andrew Ignatius Neary Carleton and York Regiment

Maj. John Fraser Nicholson Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps

Gnr. Joseph Clarence O'Connell Royal Canadian Artillery

W/C Joseph Wendell (Windy) Reid Royal Canadian Air Force

F/L William Roy (Bill) Robertson Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Pte. Alonzo Joseph Sampson Calgary Highlanders

Sgt. William Patrick (Billie) Sampson Royal Canadian Air Force

SPO Edward Philip Seymour Royal Canadian Navy Reserve

Sgt. Jacob Simms Cape Breton Highlanders

Sto. PO William Smith Royal Canadian Navy Reserve

Lt. Col. Robert Boyd Somerville Cape Breton Highlanders

S/L Percy Edwin (Eddie) Spence Royal Canadian Air Force

P/O Alexander (Sandy) Sutherland Royal Canadian Air Force

F/O Donald J. Urquhart Royal Canadian Air Force

Capt. James A. Murray (Fat) Walsh Canadian Provost Corps

S/L Richard Noel Francis Whalley Royal Canadian Air Force

LAC Herbert Zorychta Royal Canadian Air Force

Mentioned in Despatches; Oak Leaf and Medal

Pte. Richard Miles Royal Canadian Army Service Corps

Sgt. William Arthur Roberts Canadian Provost Corps

Mentioned in Despatches; Oak Leaf Cluster

Tpr. Harry Gilbert Hinkley Canadian Armoured Corps

Sgt. John Edward Nicol Royal Regiment of Canada

Pathfinder Badge

F/L Aaron E. Glustein Royal Canadian Air Force

Foreign Awards

Order of the White Lion for Victory - Star, First Class (Czechoslovakia)

A/M Harold (Gus) Edwards Royal Canadian Air Force

Croix de Guerre avec Etoile D'Argent (France)

G/C Clarence R. (Larry) Dunlap Royal Canadian Air Force

Lt. Hugh Gerald MacAdam Royal Canadian Artillery

Croix de Guerre avec Palm (France)

A/M Harold (Gus) Edwards Royal Canadian Air Force

Officer of the Legion of Honour (France)

A/M Harold (Gus) Edwards Royal Canadian Air Force

Knight Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau, with Swords (Netherlands)

Lt. Alexander George MacAulay Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers

Bronze Cross of the Order of Orange-Nassau (Netherlands)

WO2 Robert Gillan Cape Breton Highlanders

F/L Harold Morris MacLeod Royal Canadian Air Force

Spr. Alfred John Theriault Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers

Commander, Legion of Merit (United States)

A/M Harold (Gus) Edwards Royal Canadian Air Force

Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)

W/C Joseph Wendell (Windy) Reid Royal Canadian Air Force

Silver Star (United States)

G/C Clarence R. (Larry) Dunlap Royal Canadian Air Force

Gnr. Joseph Alexander (Dinke) Kalbhenn Royal Canadian Artillery

Tech. Sgt. Harold Buchanan Morrison United States Army

Bronze Star Medal (United States)

Lt. (NS) Nellie [Mrs.] Bewsher United States Army Nursing Corps

Sgt. Lawrence H. Devison 1st Special Service Force (Devil's Brigade)

Pte. Palmer Oswald Griffiths 1st Special Service Force (Devil's Brigade)

Lt. James Mackie United States Army

Cpl. Joseph Benedict MacNeil Cape Breton Highlanders

S/Sgt. Roy MacVicar United States Army

Tech. Sgt. Harold Buchanan Morrison United States Army

Capt. Margaret Morrison United States Army Nursing Corps

Bronze Star, Oak Leaf Cluster (United States)

CWO William H. Pierson United States Army

Citation For Bravery

Neil Robert Clapp Unites States Marine Corps

Pfc John Francis MacNeil United States Army

Purple Heart (United States)

Pte. Bert L. Conway United States Army, 8th Service Group Air Corps

Pte. Angus J. MacSween United States Army

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Service Medals

The following service medals were issued by the Canadian government for service in World War Two (photos and descriptions from the Veterans Affairs Canada website):

1939-1945 Star:

Terms:
The Star was awarded for six months service on active operations for Army and Navy, and two months for active air-crew between
2 September 1939 and 8 May 1945 (or 2 September 1945 (Pacific).
Bar :
Battle of Britain: This bar was awarded to those members of the crews of fighter aircraft who took part in the Battle of Britain between
10 July and 31 October 1940.
Ribbon:
The ribbon consists of three equal stripes: dark blue, red, and light blue (representing the navy, army and air force).
Issued : Canadians received 305,000 stars, 88 with bars.

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The Africa Star:

Africa Terms:
The star was awarded for a minimum one day service in an operational area of North Africa between 10 June 1940 and 12 May 1943.
Bars:
First Army: Awarded for service with that army between 08 November 1942 and 12 May 1943. A '1' is worn on the ribbon in undress to denote this bar.
Eighth Army: Awarded for service with that army between 23 October 1942 and 12 May 1943. An '8' is worn on the ribbon in undress to denote this bar.
North Africa 1942-1943: Awarded for service with the navy, merchant navy, air force or headquarters of the 18th Army Group between 23 October 1942 and 12 May 1943. In undress, a rosette on the ribbon denotes this bar.
Ribbon: The pale buff (sand) ribbon has a central red stripe and two narrow stripes, dark blue at left and light blue at right. The colours represent the desert, army, navy, and air force.
Issued: There were 7,400 stars issued to Canadians.

The Air Crew Europe Star:

Terms:

The Star was awarded for two months of operational flying from the UK over Europe between 3 September 1939 and 5 June 1944. It was not awarded after D-Day. The Air Crew Europe Star may not be awarded until the 1939-1945 Star has been qualified for by 60 days service in an air operational unit. The total requirement to earn both stars is four months (120 days).

Bars:

If later entitled to a second or third star, its bar would be worn:
ATLANTIC or FRANCE AND GERMANY

Ribbon:

The ribbon is light blue with black edges with narrow yellow stripes between the blue and black (representing continuous service by day and night).

Issued: There were 12,800 issued to Canadians.

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Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM):

Terms:
The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal is granted to persons of any rank in the Naval, Military or Air Forces of Canada who voluntarily served on Active Service and have honourably completed eighteen months ( 540 days) total voluntary service from 3 September 1939 to 1 March 1947.On June 6, 2003, eligibility to the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal was extended to members and reserve constables of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who voluntarily served during the Second World War.

Bars:

A silver bar (often called a clasp), a maple leaf at its centre was awarded for 60 days service outside Canada. A silver maple leaf is worn on the ribbon in undress. A silver bar, to be attached to the ribbon of the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM), has been designed featuring the word DIEPPE in raised letters on a pebbled background. Above this, the bar bears an anchor surmounted by an eagle and a Thompson sub-machine gun. The design was created in consultation with the Dieppe Veterans and Prisoners of War Association. The Hong Kong Bar is awarded to those involved in the Battle of Hong Kong during the period December 8 - 25, 1941. The said bar is worn on the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal.

Ribbon : The ribbon was issued during the war; the medal after the war.

Issued: There were 1,183,000 eligible, with 650,000 medals and 525,500 bars awarded.

Dieppe Bar: Hong Kong Bar:

The Defence Medal:

Defence Terms:

Although the medal was usually awarded to Canadians for six months service in Britain between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945, the exact terms were: Service in the forces in non-operational areas subjected to air attack or closely threatened, providing such service lasted for three or more years. Service overseas or outside the country of residence, providing that such service lasted for one year, except in territories threatened by the enemy or subject to bomb attacks, in which case it was six months prior to 02 September 1945. Under the terms of this last condition, Canadians serving for one year in Newfoundland were eligible and persons serving for six months in Hong Kong were also eligible. The qualifying period in mine and bomb disposal was three months. Canadians serving in West Africa, Palestine and India, other than operational air crew, qualified for this medal. Those awarded the GC or GM for civil defence received this medal. Home Guard and others in Britain qualified for this medal.

Bar:

There was no bar to this medal.

Issued: There were 325,000 medals issue to Canadians.

Canadian Efficiency Medal:

Terms:

        Years: 12 years service
        Service: non-permanent active militia, RCAF Auxiliary and reserve until 17 August 1942
        Ranks: Warrant Officers, NCOs and men
           Dates: 23 September 1931 for members joining before 1 September 1939
Bars: A silver bar, with a crown etched in the centre was awarded for every 6 additional years
Naming:
The rank, name, and service of the recipient appear on the rim.

Ribbon:

The green ribbon 1.25 inches wide, with yellow edge stripes (0.125" wide).

Issued: The number of medals awarded to Canadians, by reign, was as follows: King George V 1,600; King George VI 10,600; Queen Elizabeth II 450: plus 3,200 first bars, 845 bars, 140 third bars, 18 fourth bars, and 3 fifth bars.

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The France and Germany Star:

Terms:

The Star was awarded for one day or more of service in France, Belgium, Holland or Germany between 06 June 1944 (D-Day) and 08 May 1945.

Bars:

If later entitled to that star, the ATLANTIC bar would be worn.

Ribbon:

The ribbon consists of equal stripes of blue, white, red, white, and blue. The colours represent the Union flag and those of France and the Netherlands but not of Belgium.

Issued: There were 230,000 stars issued to Canadians.

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The Italy Star:

Terms:

The star was awarded for one day operational service in Sicily or Italy between 11 June 1943 and 08 May 1945.

Bar:

There was no bar to this medal

Ribbon:

The ribbon consists of equal stripes of red, white, green, white, and red. The colours represent the colours of the Italian flag.

Issued: There were 91,000 stars issued to Canadians.

The Pacific Star:

Terms:

The Star was awarded for one day or more of operational service in the Pacific between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945.

Bar:

If later entitled to that star, the BURMA bar would be worn.

Ribbon:

The ribbon consists of seven coloured stripes: red, narrow dark blue, green, narrow yellow (centre), green, narrow light blue, and red. The colours represent the forests, the beaches, and the army, navy and air force.

Issued: There were 8,800 stars issued to Canadians.

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The Burma Star:

Terms:

Awarded for one day or more of operational service during the Burma campaign, between 11 December 1941 and 02 September 1945.

Bar:

If later entitled to that star, the PACIFIC bar would be worn.

Ribbon:

The ribbon has a red centre with dark blue, orange, dark blue edges. The red represents the Commonwealth Forces and the orange the sun.

Issued: There were 5,500 stars issued to Canadians.

The War Medal 1939-1945:

Terms:

The War Medal was awarded to all full-time personnel of the armed forces and merchant marines for serving for 28 days between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. In the Merchant Navy, the 28 days must have been served at sea.

Bars:

A single oak leaf emblem is worn to signify a Mention-in-Despatches and the silver oak leaf signifying a King's Commendation for Brave Conduct is worn on this medal. There is no bar other than these emblems.

Ribbon:

The ribbon is 1.25 inches wide and consists of 7 coloured stripes: red, dark blue, white, narrow red (centre), white, dark blue, and red.

Naming:

The medals were issued unnamed, except those awarded to personnel of the Canadian Merchant Marine and RCMP, which were named on the rim.

Issued: There were 700,000 issued, including 4,450 to the Canadian Merchant Marine

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The Atlantic Star:

Terms:

The Star was awarded for six months (180 days) service afloat or 2 months (60 days) for air-crew service between 03 September 1939 and 08 May 1945 (Europe) or 02 September 1945 (Pacific). The Atlantic Star may not be awarded unless the 1939-1945 Star has been qualified for by 180 days' operational service afloat or by 2 months (60 days) service for airborne service. Therefore, the total requirement is twelve months (360 days) service afloat or four months (120 days) for airborne service.

Bars:

If later entitled to a second or third star, its bar would be worn:
FRANCE AND GERMANY or AIR CREW EUROPE

Ribbon:

The shaded and watered ribbon consists of three equal stripes; blue, white, and sea-green, to represent the Atlantic Ocean.

Issued: There were 43,500 stars issued to Canadians.

Netherlands Remembrance Medal:

nether Terms:Presented in 2005 to all Canadian veterans who participated in the liberation of the Netherlands in 1944-45 by the Netherlands government.

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Honours and Awards

The following service decorations were issued to select Cape Bretoners during World War Two (photos and descriptions from the Veterans Affairs Canada website):

Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Companion of the Order of The Bath (CB)

Terms: The Most Honourable And Ancient Order Of The Bath was presented for service of the highest calibre. The order has a civil and a military division with three levels in each division: Knight Grand Cross (GCB); Knight Commander (KCB); and Companion (CB). The first two levels confer knighthood, and since 1935, have not been available to anyone retaining Canadian Citizenship. The Companion level was presented to the military for service in WWII.
Description: Military Companions (CB) wear only the neck badge (1.5” wide). The badge is a gold Maltese cross of eight points, enamelled white, each point tipped with a gold ball, and in each angle between the arms of the cross, a gold lion. The central device consists of the rose, thistle and shamrock issuing from a sceptre and three crowns. Surrounding the central device is a red enamelled bandlet with TRIA JUNCTA IN UNO in gold. Around this circle are two branches of laurel, enamelled green, and below this is a blue enamel scroll with ICH DIEN in gold.
Civil Companions (CB) wear only the badge (1 inch wide x 1.5 inches high). The civil badge is oval with gold filigree work and consists of the motto in a bandlet around the edge and, in the centre, the rose, thistle and shamrock issuing from a sceptre and the three crowns. At the top is an ornate gold scroll with a ring attached, through which a larger gold ring passes. A GCB or KCB civil companion wears this badge in a larger size rather than the military badge.
Obverse and Reverse: Each of the badges has a reverse that is similar in appearance to its obverse.
Mounting: The Maltese stars are worn from a ribbon passing through a large gold ring linked to the ring attached to the top of the crown (between the top two points of the star). The badge of a Civil Companion is worn from a ribbon passing through a large gold ring linked to the gold scroll-work at the top of the badge.
Ribbon: The crimson ribbon is 1.5 inches wide.
Issued: There have been a total of 166 CB's issued to Canadians; 22 civil and 144 military.

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Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

CBE OBE MBE

Terms: The three levels - Commander, Officer and Member - have been available to Canadian citizens. The order could be given generously for services to the Empire at home, in India and in the Dominions and colonies. The order was created mainly to award non-combatant services to the war and was to include women, whom most existing orders excluded. The order at any level can be awarded for gallantry as well as for service.
Description: For the CBE there is no star and the neck badge (2.5” wide), is smaller than that of the KBE. For the OBE the silver-gilt badge (2" wide) is gold in appearance with no enamels and is worn on the left breast. A member (MBE) wears a silver badge (2" wide) on the left breast (no enamels).
Obverse: A cross patonce (four arms with three points on each arm) of silver-gilt with the arms enamelled pearl-grey, surmounted by an Imperial Crown. In the circular centre, in gold, are the crowned effigies of King George V and his consort Queen Mary. The centre is surrounded by a circular band, enamelled crimson and bearing the motto FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE in gold.
Reverse: A rope circle with the current Royal Cypher, surmounted by an Imperial Crown and with a hallmark on the lower limb.
Bar: A silver emblem of two oak leaves is worn on the riband when the appointment to the order is for gallantry.
Mounting: A ring is attached to the top of the crown through which a larger ring passes.
Ribbon: The civil ribbon is rose-pink with pearl grey edges (1.5" wide). The military ribbon has a narrow central stripe of pearl grey added.
Issued: There have been a total of 481 CBE's issued to Canadians; 200 civil and 281 military. There have been a total of 1,671 OBE's issued to Canadians; 599 civil and 1,072 military. There have been a total of 2,726 MBE's issued to Canadians; 859 civil and 1,867 military.

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Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Terms: The order was established for rewarding individual instances of meritorious or distinguished service in war. This is a military order for officers only, and while normally given for service under fire or under conditions equivalent to service in actual combat with the enemy. Prior to 1943, the order could be given only to someone Mentioned-in-Dispatches. The order is generally given to officers in command, above the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and awards to ranks below this are usually for a high degree of gallantry just short of deserving the Victoria Cross.

Bars: A bar is awarded for an act which would have earned the order in the first place. The bar is plain gold with an Imperial Crown in the centre. The year of the award is engraved on the reverse.

Description: A gold cross, enamelled gold and edged in gold.

Obverse: In the centre, within a wreath of laurel, enamelled green, the Imperial Crown in gold upon a red enamelled ground.

Reverse: Within a wreath of laurel, enamelled green, the Royal Cypher in gold upon a red enamelled ground.

Mounting: A ring at the top of the medal attaches to a ring at the bottom of a gold bar, ornamented with laurel. At the top of the ribbon is a second gold bar ornamented with laurel.

Ribbon: The red ribbon is 1.125 inches wide with narrow blue edges. A rosette is worn on the ribbon in undress to signify the award of a bar.

Naming: Officially unnamed, some recipients have privately had their names engraved on the back of the suspension bar.

Issued: There have been 1,220 Distinguished Service Orders, 119 first bars and 20 second bars awarded to Canadians.

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Royal Red Cross Class 1 (RRC)

Terms: Member (First Class) RRC The award is made to a fully trained nurse of the Official Nursing Service who has shown exceptional devotion and competency in the performance of actual nursing duties, over a continuous and long period, or who has performed some very exceptional act of bravery and devotion at her post of duty. Up to two percent of the total establishment of nurses could receive the RRC.
Bars: To recognize further exceptional devotion and competency in the performance of actual nursing duties or some very exceptional act of bravery and devotion at her post of duty, a bar may be awarded to a recipient of the RRC. The bar is linked to the cross and is made of red enamel. Four bars have been awarded to Canadians.
Description: A cross, 1.375 inches wide, enamelled red, and edged with gold, with a circular medallion at its centre
Obverse: A bareheaded effigy of the reigning monarch is in the centre, with the words FAITH (top), HOPE (left), CHARITY (right), and 1883 (bottom) in gold on the arms of the cross.
Reverse: The Royal Cypher of the reigning monarch appears in the centre, surmounted by a crown.
Mounting: A small ring at the top of the cross through which a larger ring passes. The badge may be worn from a bow or if worn with other medals, a third larger ring is added through which the ribbon passes.
Ribbon: The light blue ribbon is one inch wide, with red edge stripes (0.25" wide). A rosette is worn on the ribbon in undress to denote a bar to the RRC.
Naming: The badge is issued unnamed.
Issued: There were 132 RRC's and 4 bars issued to Canadians.

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Royal Red Cross Class 2 (ARRC)

Terms: Associate (Second Class) ARRC The award is made to a fully trained nurse or assistant nurse, probationer, or V.A.D. nursing member, who, belonging to one of the officially recognized nursing services, has shown special devotion and competency in the performance of nursing duties, over a continuous and long period, or who has performed some very exceptional act of bravery and devotion at her post of duty. Up to five percent of the total establishment of nurses could receive the ARRC. Associates may be elevated to Member as vacancies arise.
Bars: ARRC recipients cannot receive a bar, but may be elevated to RRC.
Description: A cross, 1.375 inches wide, frosted silver, with a Maltese cross enamelled red superimposed thereon and a circular medallion at its centre.
Obverse: There is a bareheaded effigy of the reigning monarch in the middle.
Reverse: The Royal Cypher of the reigning monarch is in the centre, surmounted by a crown, with the words FAITH (top), HOPE (left), CHARITY (right), and 1883 on the bottom of the cross.
Mounting: A small ring at the top of the cross through which a larger ring passes. The badge may be worn from a bow or if worn with other medals, a third larger ring is added through which the ribbon passes.
Ribbon: The light blue ribbon is one inch wide, with red edge stripes (0.25" wide). A rosette is worn on the ribbon in undress to denote a bar to the RRC.
Naming: The badge is issued unnamed.
Issued: There were 446 ARRC's issued to Canadians.

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Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Terms: Originally designated the Conspicuous Service Cross (1901-1914), the Distinguished Service Cross was awarded to naval personnel, from Warrant Officer to Lieutenant, for the performance of meritorious or distinguished services before the enemy. In 1939, Commanders and Lieutenant-Commanders were also made eligible for the DSC. Members of the air force or army serving with the fleet were also eligible.
Bars: Bars were awarded for the performance of subsequent acts of service before the enemy. The slip-on bar is silver, with a crown in the centre, and is convex at the ends of the arms. Beginning during WWII the year of the award of the bar has been engraved on the back.
Description: A plain silver cross pattee, convex and 1.5625 inches across.
Obverse: The obverse shows the Royal Cypher on the circular central medallion surmounted by a crown. The cyphers GV, GVI and EIIR have been used for Canadian awards
Reverse: The reverse is plain, with the year of the award engraved on the lower arm.
Mounting: A large ring (0.75" in diameter) is linked to a small ring welded to the top arm.
Ribbon: The ribbon is 1.375 inches wide and consists of 3 equal stripes: navy blue, white, and navy blue. A rosette is worn in undress to signify a bar.
Issued: A total of 199 DSC's have gone to Canadians, with 34 first and 5 second bars.

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Military Cross (MC)

Terms: The Military Cross can be awarded to commissioned officers of the substantive rank of Captain or below (therefore acting and temporary Majors are eligible) or Warrant Officers for distinguished and meritorious services in battle. In 1920, the terms were altered to clearly state the award was for gallant and distinguished services in action and that naval and air force officers could be awarded the cross for gallant and distinguished services on the ground.
Description: A plain silver cross, 1.75 inches across.
Obverse: On each arm of the cross is an Imperial Crown and in the centre of the cross is the Imperial and Royal Cypher of the reigning sovereign (GV, GVI, or EIIR).
Reverse: The reverse is plain with the year of the award engraved on the lower arm.
Mounting: The ring welded to the top of the cross is joined to the plain straight suspender ring by a small ring (3 rings).
Ribbon: A watered white ribbon (1.375" wide), with a central purple stripe (0.5" wide).
Issued: A total of 3,727 have gone to Canadians, with 324 first bars and 18 second bars.

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Terms: The cross is awarded to officers and Warrant Officers for an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty performed whilst flying in active operations against the enemy. The slip-on bar has an eagle in the centre. The year of the award is engraved on the reverse.
Bar(s): A straight silver bar is awarded for a further act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy. The slip-on bar has an eagle in the centre. The year of the award is engraved on the reverse.
Description: A cross flory, 2.125 inches wide, with the horizontal and base bars terminated with bumps, the upper bar with a rose.
Obverse: Aeroplane propellers are superimposed upon the vertical arms of the cross. Within a central winged roundel which is encircled by a wreath of laurels and surmounted by an Imperial Crown, appear the letters RAF. The wings of the roundel fall upon the horizontal arms of the cross.
Reverse: In the central circle the Royal Cypher (GV, GVI, EIIR) appears above the date . The year of issue is engraved on the lower arm.
Mounting: The straight bar has two sprigs of laurel at the bottom which form a slot for a king ring to attach it to the small ring at the top of the medal.
Ribbon: The ribbon is 1.25 inches wide, and consists of alternating violet and white stripes (0.125 wide) leaning to the left at 45 degrees from the vertical. The violet colour is to appear in the bottom left and upper right corners when viewed on the wearer's chest. Until 1919, the stripes were horizontal.
Naming: The DFC is issued unnamed.
Issued: A total of 4,018 were awarded to Canadians in the RCAF during the Second World War, plus 213 first bars and 6 second bars

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Air Force Cross (AFC)

Terms: The cross is awarded to an officer or a Warrant Officer for an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying, but not while in active operations against an enemy.
Bar: A bar is awarded for an additional act which would have warranted the AFC. The straight slip-on silver bar has an eagle in the centre. The year of the award is engraved on the reverse.
Description: A silver cross (1.625" across), shaped as a thunderbolt in the form of a cross, the arm terminates with a bomb. The cross is surmounted by another cross composed of aeroplane propeller blades, with the ends of the four blades enscribed with the Royal Cypher. For the WWII DFCs the letters G (top), R (left), VI (bottom), and I (right). The top arm is ensigned by an Imperial Crown.
Obverse: In the centre of the obverse is a roundel displaying Hermes, mounted on a hawk in flight, bestowing a wreath.
Reverse: Within a central circle, the current Royal Cypher (GV, GVI, EIIR) above the date 1918. The year of award appears on the lower arm.
Mounting: A small link at the top of the crown attaches to a slot in two sprigs of laurel firming the underside of a straight clasp.
Ribbon: The ribbon is 1.25 inches wide, and consists of alternating red and white stripes (0.125 wide) leaning to the left at 45 degrees from the vertical. The red colour is to appear in the bottom left and upper right corners when viewed on the wearer's chest. Until 1919, the stripes were horizontal.
Naming: The medals are issued unnamed.
Issued: 428 to RCAF, 1 bar, 34 to Canadians in the RAF (no bars)

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Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)

Terms: The DCM was awarded to Warrant Officers, non-commissioned officers, and men, serving in any of the sovereign's military forces, for distinguished conduct in the field. It was thus the second highest award for gallantry in action (after the Victoria Cross) for all army ranks below commissioned officers and was available to navy and air force personnel also for distinguished conduct in the field.
Bars: A silver, laurelled bar was awarded for a subsequent act or acts of distinguished conduct in the field.
Description: A circular, silver medal, 1.42 inches in diameter.
Obverse: King George VI:
(a) A crowned effigy, facing left, with the legend: GEORGEIVS VI D: G: BR: OMN: REX ET INDIAE IMP: (for WWII)
(b) A crowned effigy, facing left, with the legend: GEORGEIVS VI DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF:
Reverse: The reverse shows FOR/DISTINGUISHED/CONDUCT/IN THE FIELD in four lines, with a horizontal line through a small oval wreath below the wording. Some Edward VII medals had the word CANADA above the inscription.
Mounting: An ornate scroll suspender is attached to the medal by a single-toe claw.
Naming: The regimental or equivalent number, rank, initials, surname and unit of the recipient are impressed in plain block capitals around the rim of the medal.
Ribbon: The crimson ribbon is 1.25 inches wide with a dark blue central stripe (0.375).
Issued: There were 2,132 awards to Canadian Army and RCAF personnel, plus 38 first bars and 1 second bar.

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Military Medal (MM)

Terms: The medal is awarded to Warrant Officers, non-commissioned officers and men for individual or associated acts of bravery on the recommendation of a Commander-in-Chief in the field.
Bar: The silver, laurelled bar is awarded for a subsequent act or acts of bravery and devotion under fire.
Description: A circular, silver medal, 1.42 inches in diameter.
Obverse: King George VI:A crowned effigy, facing left, and one of the legends:
(a) GEORGEIVS VI D: G: BR: OMN: REX ET INDIAE IMP: (for WWII)
(b) GEORGEIVS VI DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF: *(for Korea)
Reverse: The reverse shows FOR/BRAVERY/IN THE/FIELD in four lines, encircled by a laurel wreath and surmounted by the Royal Cypher and Imperial Crown.
Mounting: An ornate scroll suspender is attached to the medal with a single-toe claw.
Ribbon: A dark blue ribbon, 1.25 inches wide, with five equal centre stripes of white, red, white, red, and white (0.125" each).
Naming: The regimental or equivalent number, rank, initials, surname and unit of the recipient appear in plain block capitals around the edge of the medal.
Issued: Canadians have received 13, 654 medals, plus 848 first bars and 38 second bars.

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Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)

Terms: The award was made to non-commissioned officers and men for an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty performed whilst flying in active operations against the enemy.
Bar: A straight slip-on silver bar with an eagle in the centre was awarded for a further act that would have warranted the medal. The year of the award was engraved on the back of the bar. None was to a Canadian.
Description: An oval, silver medal, 1.375 inches wide and 1.625 inches long.
Obverse: King George VI: A bareheaded coinage effigy, facing left, and the legend:
GEORGEIVS VID: G: BR: OMN: REX F. D: IND: IMP:
Reverse: Within a wreath of laurel, Athena Nike is shown seated on an aeroplane, a hawk rising from her right arm above the words FOR COURAGE.
Mounting: A bomb is attached to the clasp and ribbon by two wings.
Ribbon: The ribbon is 1.25 inches wide, and consists of alternate violet and white stripes (0.0625 [1/16]" wide) leaning 45 degrees to the left. A violet stripe is to appear in the bottom left and upper right corners when viewed on the wearer's chest.
Naming: The medal was engraved with the service number, rank, initials, surname and service.
Issued: A total of 556 DFMs awarded to Canadians, plus 136 to RAF/RNZAF/RAAF personnel serving in RCAF squadrons.

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British Empire Medal (Military and Civil) (BEM)
(The Medal of the Order of the British Empire for Meritorious Service)

Terms: The medal was awarded for meritorious service which warranted such a mark of royal appreciation.
Civil division: The medal was not awarded to members of, or persons eligible for appointment to, any of the five levels of the Order of the British Empire.
Military division: The medal was awarded to subordinate personnel only: non-commissioned officers. Petty Officers and men, who were eligible for the military division of the various levels of this order.
Bar: Bars could be awarded for services or acts that would have earned the medal. No Canadian received a bar.
Description: A thin, circular, silver medal, 1.42 inches in diameter.
Obverse: Britannia is shown seated, the sun to her right and the legend around the edge:
FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE and in exergue below: FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE.
Reverse: The Royal Cypher surmounted by a crown with the words: INSTITUTED BY/KING GEORGE V at the bottom within a border of four heraldic lions.
Mounting: The laurel leaves on the underside of a straight bar attached to the medal by a single-toe claw.
Ribbon: The civil ribbon is rose-pink with pear-grey edges (1.25" wide). The military ribbon has a narrow, pearl-grey central stripe added.
Naming: Military awards have the service number, full name and unit or service engraved and civil awards usually have the names in full engraved around the rim.
Issued: A total of 1,368 awards went to Canadians: 120 civil and 1, 248 military.

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Foreign Orders and Decorations (All descriptions from Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page)

Legion of Merit (Commander)

lmerit

Terms: The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The decoration is issued both to United States military personnel and to military and political figures of foreign governments. The Legion of Merit is one of only two United States decorations to be issued as a neck order (the other being the Medal of Honor), and the only United States decoration which may be issued in award degrees (much like an Order of chivalry or certain Orders of Merit). The Legion of Merit is sixth in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations, and is worn after the Defense Superior Service Medal and before the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Criteria: The award is given for service rendered in a clearly exceptional manner. Performance of duties normal to the grade, branch, specialty or assignment, and experience of an individual is not an adequate basis for this award. For service not related to actual war, the term "key individual" applies to a narrower range of positions than in time of war and requires evidence of significant achievement. In peacetime, service should be in the nature of a special requirement or of an extremely difficult duty performed in an unprecedented and clearly exceptional manner. However, the award may be justified by exceptionally meritorious service in a succession of important positions.

Degrees: Members of the United States military receive the Legion of Merit medal which is issued without degree. However, when bestowing the Legion of Merit upon members of foreign militaries or governments, the Legion of Merit is issued in the following degrees:
Chief Commander - Chief of State or Head of Government
Commander - Equivalent of a U.S. military Chief of Staff or higher position but not to Chief of State.
Officer - General or Flag Officer below the equivalent of a U.S. military Chief of Staff; also a Colonel or equivalent rank for service in assignments equivalent to those normally held by a General or Flag Officer in U.S. military service or Military Attaches.
Legionnaire - All recipients not included above

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

dfcus

Terms: The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in combat in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The decoration may also be given for an act performed prior to that date when the individual has been recommended for, but has not received the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross or Distinguished Service Medal. During wartime, members of the Armed Forces of friendly foreign nations serving with the United States are eligible for the D.F.C. It is also given to those who display heroism while working as instructors or students at flying schools.
Design: The Distinguished Flying Cross was designed by Elizabeth Will and Arthur E. DuBois. It is a bronze cross pattee, with rays between the arms of the cross. On the obverse is a propeller of four blades, with one blade in each arm of the cross and in the re-entrant angles of the cross are rays which form a square. The cross is suspended by a rectangular-shaped bar and centered on this is a plain shield. The reverse is blank and suitable for engraving the recipients name and rank.
Ribbon: The ribbon has a narrow red center stripe, flanked on either side by a thin white stripe, a wide stripe of dark blue, a narrow white stripe and narrow dark blue at the edge of the ribbon. Subsequent awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross are indicated by oak leaf clusters, for Army and Air Force personnel, and by award stars for members of the Naval services.

Silver Star

sstar

Terms: The Silver Star is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States not justifying a higher award. It may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S Armed Forces, distinguishes him or herself by extraordinary heroism involving one of the following actions:
In action against an enemy of the United States
While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force
While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party
Criteria: The medal may be awarded for Valor (ie courage under fire), in which case it is accompanied with an attached V or it may be awarded for Meritorious Achievement (ie doing one's job well) in which case the medal does not have a valor component and does not have an attached V denoting Valor. Mos t of the bronze stars awarded are for non valor and do not have the V device.

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Bronze Star Medal

bstar

Terms: The medal is awarded to a member of the military who, while serving in or with the military of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished him- or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. Awards may be made for acts of heroism, performed under circumstances described above, which are of lesser degree than required for the award of the Silver Star. Awards may also be made to recognize single acts of merit or meritorious service. The required achievement or service while of lesser degree than that required for the award of the Legion of Merit must nevertheless have been meritorious and accomplished with distinction.
Criteria: To be eligible for the Bronze Star Medal, a military member must be receiving hostile fire/imminent danger pay during the event for which the medal is to be awarded. The Bronze Star Medal is typically referred to by its full name (including the word “Medal”) to differentiate the decoration from bronze service stars which are worn on campaign medals and service awards.

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Purple Heart

pheart

Terms: The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after 5 April 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in Newburgh, New York.
Description: A Purple Heart is a heart-shaped medal within a gold border, 1 3⁄8 inches (35 mm) wide, containing a profile of General George Washington. Above the heart appears a shield of the Washington coat of arms (a white shield with two red bars and three red stars in chief) between sprays of green leaves. The reverse consists of a raised bronze heart with the words FOR MILITARY MERIT below the coat of arms and leaves. The ribbon is 1 and 3⁄8 inches (35 mm) wide and consists of the following stripes: 1⁄8 inch (3 mm) white 67101; 1 1⁄8 inches (29 mm) purple 67115; and 1⁄8 inch (3 mm) white 67101. As with other combat medals, multiple awards are denoted by award stars for the Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, or oak leaf clusters for the Army and Air Force.

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The Order of the White Lion (First Class)

WLion

Terms: The Order of the White Lion is the highest order of the Czech Republic, which continues a Czechoslovak order of the same name created in 1922 as an award for foreigners . During World War II, the Order of the White Lion reached its height as an award to those who had helped liberate Czechoslovakia from occupation by Nazi Germany. Following the surrender of Germany in May 1945, a large number of foreign bestowals were made by presenting the Order of the White Lion to senior officers of the Allied militaries.
Criteria: It is issued in five classes with the fifth and fourth classes presented as medals, the third class awarded as a neck order, the second class as a neck order with chest star, and the first class as a grand cross (sash with badge and chest star). The supreme grade of the Order of the White Lion, the first class accompanied by a gold neck chain may only be awarded to Heads of State.

The Order of Orange-Nassau

Terms: During World War II, the Order of Orange-Nassau was bestowed to both members of the Netherlands military and members of foreign services who had helped liberate the Netherlands from Nazi Germany occupation. In the modern age, the Orange-Nassau is still the most active military and civil decoration of the Netherlands, and ranks after the Order of the Dutch Lion. The Order is typically awarded each year on the Queen's official birthday (April 30th) with thousands of appointments to the Order made public. The Order is also used to honour foreign princes, ministers, dignitaries and diplomats.
Criteria: The following classes and grades exist for the Order of Orange-Nassau
Knight Grand Cross
Grand Officer
Commander
Officer
Knight
Member
Insignia: The badge of the Order is a blue-enamelled, white enamel-bordered Maltese Cross, in gilt for the officers and above, in silver for knights and members. The obverse central disc has the lion from the Dutch coat-of-arms of the Netherlands in gold and blue enamel, surrounded by a white enamel ring bearing the Dutch national motto Je Maintiendrai (I shall maintain). The reverse central disc has the crowned monogram "W" (for Queen Wilhelmina) surrounded by the motto God Zij Met Ons (God be with us). The badge is topped by a crown. The civil division has a wreath of laurel between the arms of the cross; the military division has crossed swords instead. The badge is attached to a ribbon which is orange with white and blue border stripes. The way the badge and ribbon should be worn differs between men and women. The star of the Order is a silver star with straight rays, in 8 points for Grand Cross and in 4 points for Grand Officer; the central disc has the lion from the Dutch coat-of-arms of the Netherlands in gold and blue enamel, surrounded by a white enamel ring bearing the Dutch national motto Je Maintiendrai. The military division has crossed swords.

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The Croix de Guerre [avec Etoile D'Argent, avec Palm]

Terms: The Croix de Guerre (sometimes lowercase in French, Croix de guerre, meaning "Cross of War") is a military decoration of both France and Belgium, where it is also known as Oorlogskruis (Dutch). It was first created in 1915 in both countries and consists of a square-cross medal on 2 crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts. The Croix de Guerre was also commonly bestowed to foreign military forces allied to France and Belgium.
Criteria: The Croix de Guerre may either be bestowed as a unit award or to individuals who distinguish themselves by acts of heroism involving combat with enemy forces. The medal is also awarded to those who have been "mentioned in despatches", meaning a heroic deed was performed meriting a citation from an individual's headquarters unit. The unit award of the Croix de Guerre was issued to military commands who performed heroic deeds in combat and were subsequently recognized by headquarters.
Appearance: The Croix de Guerre medal varies depending on which country is bestowing the award and for what conflict. Separate French medals exist for the First and Second World War, and the French medals are different in appearance from the Belgian design. For the unit decoration of the Croix de Guerre, a fourragère is awarded which is suspended from the shoulder of an individual's uniform.The French croix represents a mention in dispatches awarded by a commanding officer, at least a regimental commander. Depending on the officer who issued the mention, the ribbon of the croix is marked with extra pins.
Mentioned in Despatches
- a bronze star for those who had been mentioned at the regiment or brigade level.
- a silver star (etoile d'argent), for those who had been mentioned at the division level.
- a silver gilt star for those who had been mentioned at the corps level.
- a bronze palm for those who had been mentioned at the army level.
- a silver palm steeds for five bronze ones.
- a silver gilt palm for those who had been mentioned at the Free French Forces level.

The Légion d'Honneur

The Légion d'honneur or Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur is a French order established by Napoléon Bonaparte, First Consul of the First Republic, on May 19, 1802.[1] This world-reknowned Order is the highest decoration in France and is divided into five various degrees: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer) and Grand-Croix (Grand Cross). The order’s motto is Honneur et Patrie (Honour and Fatherland), and its seat is the Palais de la Légion d'Honneur on the left bank of the River Seine in Paris.

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