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Why is the General Campaign Star awarded?

The General Campaign Star honors members of the Canadian Armed Forces who served in dangerous combat areas. It was created in 2004 to recognize the bravery of troops facing high risks during military missions. Wearing this star proves that a sailor, soldier, or pilot served directly in an armed conflict or a war zone.

How long must someone serve to earn it?

A service member must usually work in a designated combat area for at least 30 days to qualify for the medal. The military counts every day the soldier spends on active duty while inside that dangerous zone. Once they reach this 30-day goal, they become eligible to receive this official honor for their service.

What shows which war the soldier fought in?

Each medal comes with a small metal bar that clips onto the ribbon. This bar tells the specific mission or the name of the place where the soldier served during their deployment. For example, a bar might say South-West Asia to show that the person fought in the long war in Afghanistan.

What shape is the medal?

The award is a bronze medal shaped like a star with four points. It features a crown at the top and two crossed swords in the center to show it is for military duty. The design also includes maple leaves, which are the famous symbol of Canada, to show the soldier serves their home country.

Queen Elizabeth II officially created this medal in 2004. At that time, Canada needed a new way to honor troops who were being sent into modern combat zones around the world. Since then, thousands of Canadians have earned this star for their service in major conflicts like the war in Afghanistan and the Kosovo War.

Why is the General Campaign Star awarded?

The General Campaign Star honors members of the Canadian Armed Forces who served in dangerous combat areas. It was created in 2004 to recognize the bravery of troops facing high risks during military missions. Wearing this star proves that a sailor, soldier, or pilot served directly in an armed conflict or a war zone.

How long must someone serve to earn it?

A service member must usually work in a designated combat area for at least 30 days to qualify for the medal. The military counts every day the soldier spends on active duty while inside that dangerous zone. Once they reach this 30-day goal, they become eligible to receive this official honor for their service.

What shows which war the soldier fought in?

Each medal comes with a small metal bar that clips onto the ribbon. This bar tells the specific mission or the name of the place where the soldier served during their deployment. For example, a bar might say South-West Asia to show that the person fought in the long war in Afghanistan.

What shape is the medal?

The award is a bronze medal shaped like a star with four points. It features a crown at the top and two crossed swords in the center to show it is for military duty. The design also includes maple leaves, which are the famous symbol of Canada, to show the soldier serves their home country.

Queen Elizabeth II officially created this medal in 2004. At that time, Canada needed a new way to honor troops who were being sent into modern combat zones around the world. Since then, thousands of Canadians have earned this star for their service in major conflicts like the war in Afghanistan and the Kosovo War.

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Campaign medal

General Campaign Star

This medal is awarded to Canadian personnel who serve in direct combat or high-risk military campaigns.

Canada Established 2004 All servicesPrecedence: Worn after the Somalia Medal and before the General Service Medal

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for 30 days of service in a designated combat campaign or armed conflict zone.

Eligibility

Canadian Armed Forces personnel and allied members deployed to designated operational combat zones.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn after the Somalia Medal and before the General Service Medal

General Campaign Star, Campaign medal, Canada medal

History

The General Campaign Star was created in 2004 by Queen Elizabeth II. Canada needed a modern medal to recognize troops deployed into dangerous combat theaters after the end of the Cold War.

The award is a four-pointed bronze star with a crown, crossed swords, and maple leaves. Specific campaign bars, such as South-West Asia, Allied Force, or Expedition, attach to the ribbon to show where the member served.

Thousands of Canadian soldiers, aviators, and sailors earned this star during operations in Afghanistan. It shows that the wearer faced real danger in a designated combat theater.