Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service
Encyclopedia
The Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service (CFMDS) is awarded by the Chief of the Defence Staff
in recognition of outstanding service, performed by individuals and groups who are not active members of the Canadian Forces
. Establishment of this award was started by General
Gérard Charles Édouard Thériault
, CMM
, CD
and finished by his successor General Paul David Manson
, OC
, CMM, CD in 1987. The award was first approved for presentation in 1989.
Recommendations for the award are submitted to the Canadian Forces Decorations and Commendations Advisory Committee. This committee considers recommendations and submits the names to the Chief of Defence Staff of those who meet the conditions of the award.
Personnel of the Canadian Forces Supplementary Reserve
, and individuals holding honourary appointments who are on the Supplementary Reserve list, may be considered for the medallion to recognize non-military service.
displays the Canadian Forces emblem. The emblem is a flying eagle in front of crossed swords, superimposed over an an anchor topped by St Edward's Crown. Around the emblem are four maple leaves within the center field of the medallion. The edge of the medallion bears the inscription “DISTINGUISHED SERVICE” on the left and “SERVICE DISTINGUÉ” on the right. The inscriptions are separated by a spray of laurel leaves at the top and bottom edges. The reverse bears a wreath of maple and laurel leaves around the edge. The center is plain so the recipient’s name may be engraved.
Chief of the Defence Staff (Canada)
The Chief of the Defence Staff is the second most senior member of the Canadian Forces, and heads the Armed Forces Council, having primary responsibility for command, control, and administration of the forces, as well as military strategy, plans, and requirements...
in recognition of outstanding service, performed by individuals and groups who are not active members of the Canadian Forces
Canadian Forces
The Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
. Establishment of this award was started by General
General (Canada)
The military rank of General in Canada is typically held by only one officer whose position is Chief of the Defence Staff and the senior uniformed officer of the Canadian Forces. The rank is referred to as 'four-star', despite the use of maple leaves in the insignia. It is the equivalent of the...
Gérard Charles Édouard Thériault
Gérard Charles Édouard Thériault
General Gérard Charles Édouard Thériault, CMM, CD was Chief of the Defence Staff between 1983 and 1986.-Military service:...
, CMM
Order of Military Merit (Canada)
The Order of Military Merit is a military honour for merit that is, within the Canadian system of honours, the second highest order administered by the Governor General-in-Council, on behalf of the Queen of Canada...
, CD
Canadian Forces Decoration
The Canadian Forces Decoration is a Canadian award bestowed upon members of the Canadian Forces who have completed twelve years of military service, with certain conditions. By convention, it is also given to the Governor General of Canada upon his or her appointment as viceroy, which includes the...
and finished by his successor General Paul David Manson
Paul David Manson
Paul David Manson, OC, CMM, CD is a retired Canadian general, fighter pilot, and businessman.-Education:He graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario in 1956, student # 3528....
, OC
Order of Canada
The Order of Canada is a Canadian national order, admission into which is, within the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, the second highest honour for merit...
, CMM, CD in 1987. The award was first approved for presentation in 1989.
Criteria
The CFMDS is awarded for "service of a rare and exceptionally high standard, which accrues great benefit to the CF as a whole." Eligible service must be rendered by persons who are not active members of the Canadian Forces, or members of allied armed forces. Canadian and foreign citizens may be considered for this honour.Recommendations for the award are submitted to the Canadian Forces Decorations and Commendations Advisory Committee. This committee considers recommendations and submits the names to the Chief of Defence Staff of those who meet the conditions of the award.
Personnel of the Canadian Forces Supplementary Reserve
Canadian Forces Supplementary Reserve
Canadian Forces Supplementary Reserve are inactive or retired members of the Canadian Forces who are willing and available for active service when requested....
, and individuals holding honourary appointments who are on the Supplementary Reserve list, may be considered for the medallion to recognize non-military service.
Appearance
The current version of the award is a twelve-sided silver medallion, 76 mm in diameter. The obverseObverse and reverse
Obverse and its opposite, reverse, refer to the two flat faces of coins and some other two-sided objects, including paper money, flags , seals, medals, drawings, old master prints and other works of art, and printed fabrics. In this usage, obverse means the front face of the object and reverse...
displays the Canadian Forces emblem. The emblem is a flying eagle in front of crossed swords, superimposed over an an anchor topped by St Edward's Crown. Around the emblem are four maple leaves within the center field of the medallion. The edge of the medallion bears the inscription “DISTINGUISHED SERVICE” on the left and “SERVICE DISTINGUÉ” on the right. The inscriptions are separated by a spray of laurel leaves at the top and bottom edges. The reverse bears a wreath of maple and laurel leaves around the edge. The center is plain so the recipient’s name may be engraved.