The decoration system that Canada used in World War II, like most other aspects of its military organization and tradition, derived from Britain. Under this class-based system, most military decorations can be awarded either to officers or to “other ranks” but not to both. The Canadian army, navy, and air force also have distinct decorations. Only the Victoria Cross—the nation’s highest award—can be won by personnel from any arm of the service or of any rank. The decorations and qualifying ranks are as follows.
VICTORIA CROSS (VC): Awarded for gallantry in the presence of the enemy. Instituted in 1856. Open to all ranks. The only award that can be granted for action in which the recipient was killed, other than Mentioned in Despatches—a less formal honour whereby an act of bravery was given specific credit in a formal report.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER (DSO): Army officers of all ranks, but more commonly awarded to officers with ranks of major or higher.
MILITARY CROSS (MC): Army officers with a rank normally below major and, rarely, warrantofficers.
DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL (DCM): Army warrantofficers and all lower ranks.
MILITARY MEDAL (MM): Army warrantofficers and all lower ranks.