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What kind of achievement earns this cross?

This award is given to military members who show amazing skill and smart leadership. It recognizes work that brings great honor to the whole Canadian Armed Forces. A person might earn it for planning a perfect operation or for helping during a major crisis. It rewards people for doing their job in an outstandingly professional way that goes far beyond what is normally expected.

When was the military cross created?

Queen Elizabeth II created this important medal in 1984. Canada needed a special way to reward people who did much more than what was required of their regular daily duties. Since it began, it has been given to soldiers who served in difficult missions like the Gulf War, the Balkans, and the war in Afghanistan. It remains one of Canada's most respected honors for high-level service and expert performance.

Can non-military people earn it?

Yes, they can. In 1991, the government added a special civilian division to the program to recognize those outside the military. This change allows regular citizens to receive the medal if they perform a deed that is truly outstanding and benefits the nation. It is a way for Canada to show deep thanks to people who have done something truly special for the country.

What does the badge look like?

The medal is shaped like a Greek cross and is crafted from shiny silver. The front is decorated with a beautiful bright blue color painted on with a material called enamel. In the very middle of the cross, you can see a royal crown sitting right above a classic red maple leaf. These important symbols show that the person has served their country with great pride and skill.

Does it require combat to win?

No, you do not have to fight in a battle to win this medal. It is designed to reward great professional work rather than just acts of bravery during fighting. It honors people for the smart, helpful, and organized ways they manage their jobs during very difficult times. Because of this, it is different from other medals that are only given for fighting on the front lines.

What kind of achievement earns this cross?

This award is given to military members who show amazing skill and smart leadership. It recognizes work that brings great honor to the whole Canadian Armed Forces. A person might earn it for planning a perfect operation or for helping during a major crisis. It rewards people for doing their job in an outstandingly professional way that goes far beyond what is normally expected.

When was the military cross created?

Queen Elizabeth II created this important medal in 1984. Canada needed a special way to reward people who did much more than what was required of their regular daily duties. Since it began, it has been given to soldiers who served in difficult missions like the Gulf War, the Balkans, and the war in Afghanistan. It remains one of Canada's most respected honors for high-level service and expert performance.

Can non-military people earn it?

Yes, they can. In 1991, the government added a special civilian division to the program to recognize those outside the military. This change allows regular citizens to receive the medal if they perform a deed that is truly outstanding and benefits the nation. It is a way for Canada to show deep thanks to people who have done something truly special for the country.

What does the badge look like?

The medal is shaped like a Greek cross and is crafted from shiny silver. The front is decorated with a beautiful bright blue color painted on with a material called enamel. In the very middle of the cross, you can see a royal crown sitting right above a classic red maple leaf. These important symbols show that the person has served their country with great pride and skill.

Does it require combat to win?

No, you do not have to fight in a battle to win this medal. It is designed to reward great professional work rather than just acts of bravery during fighting. It honors people for the smart, helpful, and organized ways they manage their jobs during very difficult times. Because of this, it is different from other medals that are only given for fighting on the front lines.

Home Library CanadaMeritorious Service Cross

Distinguished service decoration

Meritorious Service Cross

This award honours military leaders and personnel who carry out an outstanding deed of professionalism.

Canada Established 1984 All servicesPrecedence: Worn after the Star of Courage and before the Medal of Military Valour

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for performing an outstandingly professional act or activity that brings extraordinary benefit or honour to the Canadian Armed Forces.

Eligibility

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces and foreign military personnel.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn after the Star of Courage and before the Medal of Military Valour

Meritorious Service Cross, Distinguished service decoration, Canada medal

History

The Meritorious Service Cross was created in 1984 by Queen Elizabeth II. Canada needed a high-level award to recognize exceptional skill, leadership, and performance that brought great credit to the armed forces outside of direct combat valor.

The award is a blue-enamelled Greek cross made of silver with a royal crown and a maple leaf in the center. In 1991, Canada added a civilian division so exceptional citizens could receive it too.

Military commanders, pilots, peacekeepers, and logisticians have earned this cross. It can honour an outstanding single operation or remarkable leadership during major crises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Gulf WarBalkan OperationsWar in Afghanistan

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Marc Dicaire, including Meritorious Service Medal, Canadian Forces' Decoration, Meritorious Service Cross, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, General Campaign Star, Canadian Korea Medal, Sacrifice Medal, Medal of Military Valour, Star of Military Valour, shown against a light Canada flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Afghanistan

Meritorious Service Medal Canadian Forces' Decoration Meritorious Service Cross+6

Marc Dicaire

Who Was Master Corporal Marc Dicaire?

A highly decorated Canadian soldier who served in the Afghanistan war.

Canada2007

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Sources

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