Posted by Michael A. Dorosh from Canada on January 27, 2021 at 22:02:15:
Ladies and gentlemen, I am confused.
Back before unification, Other Ranks in the Army were entitled to the Military Medal (MM) for feats of bravery in wartime. Exceptional feats rated a Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM). Warrant Officers and Officers could be awarded the Military Cross (MC) for bravery. The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) was just that - an order, not technically a gallantry medal, though it was often awarded for that purpose to senior officers - though just as often it was awarded for efficiency.
I know that some NCOs got the British Empire Medal (BEM), and that being named to certain orders was also done, as was the award of foreign decorations.
Bravery was also recognized by a Mention in Despatches, which with the VC was the only bravery award given posthumously (right?). There was no medal involved, but you got an oakleaf device to put on your service riband.
The highest award for gallantry was the Victoria Cross.
OKAY - SO WHERE DO WE STAND NOW?
I believe we have the Medal of Bravery and the Meritorious Service Medal, which I am guessing would be roughly the same as the old MM and DCM - only you can get it in peacetime (several peacekeepers have received these awards, yes?) Please, someone tell me that the same medal that Stojko was wearing is not the same one awarded to Canadian soldiers.
And Canada has its own version of the VC, with a latin motto instead of a French or English one. Otherwise, it is the same VC as before, and must be awarded for exceptional bravery "in the face of the enemy".
So my two questions are these - what are the full range of bravery awards, their conditions of award, and to whom they are awarded (I assume we no longer award certain medals to just officers or NCMs).
Secondly - why didn't we do what we did with the Victoria Cross - take the British medals (MM, DCM, DFC, DSO, etc.), keep the ribbons and titles but mint a Canadian medal to go with them? It would keep a continuous history, the award of such medals would mean more (I think) and there would be no confusion as to the relative "worth" of the awards.
Have we "cheapened" our medals - if Stojko got one, I would have to say we did. Which is very unfortunate, since I think a lot of our peacekeepers have displayed just as much courage and grace under pressure (and often under fire) as our troops in Normandy did.
Comments?