Decorations for Bravery
Decorations for Bravery recognize people who risked their lives to try to save or protect another. The Decorations were created by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1972. The governor general personally presents the Decorations in ceremonies held at Rideau Hall, in Ottawa, or at La Citadelle, in Québec City. They consist of the Cross of Valour, the Star of Courage and the Medal of Bravery.
Cross of Valour (C.V.)
The Cross of Valour recognizes acts of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril.
It is a gold cross of four equal limbs: the obverse of which is enamelled red and edged in gold with, superimposed in the centre, a gold maple leaf surrounded by a gold wreath of laurel, and on the reverse of which the Royal Cypher and the inscription VALOUR / VAILLANCE appear.
Star of Courage (S.C.)
The Star of Courage recognizes acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril.
It is a silver star of four points with a maple leaf in each of the four angles: on the obverse of which, superimposed in the centre, is a gold maple leaf surrounded by a gold wreath of laurel, and on the reverse of which the Royal Cypher and the inscription COURAGE appear.
Medal of Bravery (M.B.)
The Medal recognizes acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.
It is a circular silver medal: on the obverse of which is a maple leaf surrounded by a wreath of laurel, and on the reverse of which the Royal Cypher and the inscription BRAVERY / BRAVOURE appear.
