Canadian Forces' Decoration

Canadian Forces' Decoration
TypeLong service and good conduct medal
Awarded for12 years service with the Regular or Reserve forces
Presented byThe Monarch of Canada
EligibilityMembers of the Canadian Forces
Post-nominalsCD
ClaspsBars awarded for every 10 years thereafter
StatusCurrently awarded
Established15 December 1949
First awarded7 June 1951
– 12 years

– 22 years

– 32 years

– 42 years

– 52 years

– 62 years
Ribbons and rosettes
Precedence
Next (higher)
Next (lower)

The Canadian Forces' Decoration (post-nominal letters "CD") is a Canadian award bestowed upon members of the Canadian Armed Forces who have completed twelve years of military service, with certain conditions.[1] By convention, it is also given to the governor general of Canada upon their appointment, which includes the title of Commander-in-Chief in and over Canada.[2] The decoration is awarded to all ranks, who must have a good record of conduct during the final eight years of claimed service.[1]

The first governor general to receive the CD was Viscount Alexander of Tunis in 1951.[3] The medal was initially awarded to all members of the Royal Family who served in the Canadian Forces, even without completion of twelve years of service; this has, however, not been automatic since 1953.[3]

  1. ^ a b "Canadian Forces' Decoration (CD) – Canadian Honours Chart – Directorate of Honours and Recognition". Department of National Defence – Government of Canada. 2008. Archived from the original on 21 March 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2009.
  2. ^ "Efficiency and Long Service Decorations and Medals – Canadian Forces Decoration – CD". Veterans Affairs Canada. 2001. Retrieved 5 October 2010.
  3. ^ a b McCreery, Christopher (2005). The Canadian Honours System. Toronto: Dundurn Press. ISBN 9781550025545.