Star of Military Valour

Star of Military Valour. The Star of Military Valour is a Canadian military decoration and the second-highest award within the Canadian honours system, ranking below the Canadian Victoria Cross. Established in 1993 under the Governor General's authority, it was first awarded in 2006 for actions during the War in Afghanistan. The star recognizes members of the Canadian Armed Forces who demonstrate distinguished and valiant service in the presence of an enemy.

Description and design

The medal is a gold star with four points, topped by a St. Edward's Crown, symbolizing the Monarch of Canada as the fount of honour. The obverse features a maple leaf at its centre, surrounded by a wreath of laurel. The reverse is plain, engraved with the recipient's service number, rank, and name. The ribbon is crimson with a central white stripe, reflecting the colours of the Canadian flag. It is manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint and presented during ceremonies often held at Rideau Hall or National Defence Headquarters.

Eligibility and criteria

Eligibility extends to all members of the Canadian Armed Forces, including the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force, regardless of rank. The award is conferred for "distinguished and valiant service in the presence of the enemy," a standard demanding extraordinary courage under direct hostile action, such as during the Battle of Panjwaii or operations in Kandahar Province. Recommendations are processed through the Department of National Defence and approved by the Governor General on advice from the Canadian Forces Honours Committee. Posthumous awards are permitted, and the decoration can be awarded multiple times to the same individual.

Recipients

As of 2023, the Star of Military Valour has been awarded to 20 individuals, primarily for combat in Afghanistan. Notable recipients include Master Corporal Collin Ryan Fitzgerald for actions during Operation Medusa, and Sergeant Patrick Tower for valour in the Zhari District. The first investiture was held in 2006 at Rideau Hall, presided over by Governor General Michaëlle Jean. Other distinguished soldiers honoured include members of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, the Royal 22^e Régiment, and the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. A complete list of recipients is maintained by the Directorate of Honours and Recognition.

History and significance

The decoration was created on January 1, 1993, under the Letters Patent constituting the Canadian Victoria Cross, as part of a broader reform to establish a distinct Canadian honours system separate from the British honours system. Its creation was influenced by the Royal Commission on the Future of the Canadian Forces and the desire for national symbols of valour, culminating in the Canadian Bravery Decorations system. The first awards in 2006 highlighted the intense combat faced by Canadian troops during the War in Afghanistan, bringing recognition comparable to the British Distinguished Service Order or the U.S. Silver Star. The star holds significant prestige within the military history of Canada, commemorating actions in conflicts from the War in Afghanistan to contemporary missions.

Order of wear and display

Within the order of precedence, the Star of Military Valour is worn after the Member of the Order of Military Merit and before the Meritorious Service Cross. It is placed ahead of all campaign medals like the South-West Asia Service Medal and the General Campaign Star. The full-sized star is worn on the left chest, while a miniature version is authorized for formal evening wear. A ribbon bar is worn on everyday uniforms. Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "S.M.V." and are invited to events such as the Victoria Day celebration at Rideau Hall. The medal is often displayed in institutions like the Canadian War Museum and the Royal Military College of Canada. Category:Canadian military awards