The first organized system of military medals was established by the Romans, who created a hierarchy of awards ranging from crowns given to victorious commanders to phalarae, metal disks worn on armour to signify acts of bravery. These early decorations inspired later traditions across Europe.
In the Commonwealth, the custom of issuing medals to mark military campaigns dates to Elizabeth I, who authorized commemorative medals for the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. At that time, such medals were reserved for senior officers. The practice of awarding campaign medals to all ranks began under Oliver Cromwell, when every soldier at the Battle of Dunbar received a medal. This idea took hold more widely in 1815, when the British government awarded medals to all troops who fought at Waterloo.
The first medal struck specifically for Canadian military service was the Canada General Service Medal, recognizing British and Canadian soldiers who served during the Fenian Raids and the Red River expedition between 1866 and 1870. In subsequent conflicts, Canadians were awarded campaign medals and decorations for gallantry during the South African War, the First World War, the Second World War, and the Korean War.
Campaign medals are usually issued to mark service in a specific theatre during defined time periods. Notable examples include the Second World War Atlantic Star, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, and the Canadian Korean War Medal. In the past 50 years, many Canadians have also received United Nations medals for peacekeeping missions around the world.
Decorations recognize conspicuous bravery or exceptional service. Canada’s most senior decoration is the Victoria Cross, instituted in 1856 “for most conspicuous bravery or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.” Ninety-four Canadians have earned this honour. Other widely awarded Commonwealth decorations include the Military Cross, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Since 1967, Canada has established a distinctive honours system that includes the Medal of Bravery and the Star of Military Valour, as well as decorations recognizing meritorious military service such as the Meritorious Service Cross. Medals like the Canadian Forces Decoration also recognize long service and good conduct in uniform.