Foreign Meritorious Recognition
The purpose of this page is to record the International recognition of exceptional service rendered by members of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. Omissions or errors should be brought to the attention of RHQ RCA and the RCA Association Secretary for correction.
Afghanistan – Ghazi Mir Bacha Khan Medal
The National Medal of Ghazi Mir Bacha Khan was instituted on May 17, 1982, and was discontinued in 1992. The medal was awarded as a civil honour.
Recipients of The Ghazi Mir Bacha Khan Medal
Belgium– Order of Leopold
The Order of Leopold is one of the three current Belgian national honorary orders of knighthood. It is the oldest and highest order of Belgium and is named in honour of its founder, King Leopold I. It consists of a military, a maritime and a civil division. The maritime division is only awarded to personnel of the merchant navy, and the military division to military personnel.
Recipients of the Belgique Order of Leopold
Belgium – Order of the Crown
The Order of the Crown (French: Ordre de la Couronne, Dutch: Kroonorde) is a national order of the Kingdom of Belgium. The Order is one of Belgium’s highest honors. The Order was established on October 15, 1897 by King Leopold II in his capacity as ruler of the Congo Free State. The order was first intended to recognize heroic deeds and distinguished service achieved for service in the Congo Free State.
Recipients of the Belgique Order of the Crown
Belgium– Croix de guerre or Oorlogskruis
The Croix de guerre or Oorlogskruis , both literally translating as “Cross of War”, is a military decoration of the Kingdom of Belgium established by royal decree on 25 October 1915. It was primarily awarded for bravery or other military virtue on the battlefield. The award was reestablished on 20 July 1940 by the Belgian government in exile for recognition of bravery and military virtue during World War II. The post-1940 decoration could also be awarded to units that were cited. The decoration was again reestablished by royal decree on 3 April 1954 for award during future conflicts.
Recipients of the Belgique Croix de guerre
Belgium – Military Decoration
The Belgian Military Decoration (Décoration Militaire / Militaire Ereteken) is a military award of the Kingdom of Belgium established on December 23, 1873 and awarded to non-commissioned officers and other ranks of the Belgian Armed Forces for loyal and uninterrupted service.
Recipients of the Belgique Military Decoration
Czechoslovakia – Order of the White Lion
The Order of the White Lion (Czech: Řád Bílého lva) is the highest order of the Czech Republic. It continues a Czechoslovak order of the same name created in 1922 as an award for foreigners (Czechoslovakia had no civilian decoration for its citizens in the 1920s and 1930s). It was inspired by the Czech Nobility Cross created in 1814 by the Emperor and King Francis I and awarded to 37 Bohemian noblemen.
Recipients of The Czechoslovak Order of the White Lion
Czechoslovakia – Military Cross
The Czechoslovak Military Cross 1939 (War Cross 1939) (Československý válečný kříž 1939 in Czech, Československý vojnový kríž 1939 in Slovak) is a military decoration of the former state of Czechoslovakia which was issued for those who had provided great service to the Czechoslovak state (in exile) during the years of World War II.
Recipients of The Czechoslovak Military Cross 1939
Czechoslovakia – Medal of Merit
The Czechoslovakian Medal of Merit (Československý Za zásluhy) is awarded to members of the Czechoslovak military for outstanding contributions to the Czechoslovak military, not necessarily in in combat roles. It could also be awarded to members of the Allied forces, and in special cases also to civilians. The medal has two grades and can be awarded only once. First grade; Za zásluhy 1. stupně / Za zásluhy and Second grade Za zásluhy 2.
Recipients of The Czechoslovakian Medal of Merit
Denmark – King Christian X’s Liberty Medal
The King Christian X’s Liberty Medal (Danish: Kong Christian den Tiendes frihedsmedaille) was a commemorative decoration awarded by King Christian X for special services to Denmark during World War II and the struggle for a free Denmark.
Recipients of King Christian X’s Liberty Medal
France – Order of the Legion of Honour
The National Order of the Legion of Honour, formerly the Royal Order of the Legion of Honour, is the highest French order of merit, both military and civil. Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, it has been retained (with occasional slight alterations) by all later French governments and regimes. The order’s motto is Honneur et Patrie . The order is divided into five degrees of increasing distinction: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand officier (Grand Officer) and Grand-croix (Grand Cross).
Recipients of The Order of The Legion of Honour
France – Military Medal
The French Military Medal (Médaille militaire) is a military decoration of the French Republic for other ranks for meritorious service and acts of bravery in action against an enemy force. It is the third highest award of the French Republic, after the Legion of Honour, a civil and military order, and the Order of Liberation, a Second World War-only order. The Médaille militaire is therefore the most senior entirely military active French decoration.
Recipients of the French Military Medal
France – National Defence Medal
The National Defence Medal (French: “Médaille de la Défense nationale”) is a French military decoration. It was created by Charles Hernu, Minister of Defence and established by decree on 21 April 1982. It rewards particularly honourable service rendered by military personnel for their participation in operational activities. The medal has three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze.
Recipients of the French National Defence Medal
France – Croix de guerre
The Croix de guerre (English: War Cross) was created to recognize French and allied soldiers who were cited for their service during World War I, similar to the British mentioned in dispatches. Soon after the outbreak of World War I, French military officials felt that a new military award had to be created. At that time, the Citation du jour (“Daily Service Citation”) already existed to acknowledge soldiers, but it was just a sheet of paper. There are three distinct Croix de Guerre medals in the French system of honours: Croix de guerre 1914–1918, Croix de guerre 1939–1945 and Croix de guerre des théâtres d’opérations extérieures (for wars other than World War I and World War II not fought on French soil). There are are also additional levels within each of the three: a bronze star for citation in the Order of the Regiment or Brigade; a silver star for citation in the Order of the Division; a vermeil star for citation to the Order of the Army Corps and a bronze palm for citation to the Order of the Army. A silver palm replaces 5 bronze palms.
Recipients of the French Croix de guerre
Germany – Order of Merit
The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany was instituted in 1951. It is the only honour that may be awarded in all fields of endeavour and is the highest tribute the Federal Republic of Germany can pay to individuals for services to the nation.
The Order of Merit may be awarded to Germans as well as foreigners for achievements in the political, economic, social or intellectual realm and for all kinds of outstanding services to the nation in the field of social, charitable or philanthropic work.
Recipients of the German Order of Merit
Germany – Armed Forces Decorations of Honour
The Decorations of Honour of the Bundeswehr (German: Ehrenzeichen der Bundeswehr) are a series of military decorations of the Bundeswehr, the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany. The decoration is awarded by the Federal Minister of Defence as a “visible commendation for loyal service and exemplary execution of duties”.
Recipients of the German Decorations of Honour
Greece – War Cross
The Greek War Cross 1940 was instituted by Royal Decree on 11 November 1940 after the Italian invasion of October 1940 and continued to be awarded throughout the Second World War. It was re-authorised on 19 April 1947 for the Greek Civil War (1946–1949) and extended until 1953, covering the Greek participation in the Korean War. It was awarded to Greek and Allied military personnel, as well as to regimental war flags.
Recipients of the Greek War Cross
Italy – Bronze Medal of Military Valour
The Bronze Medal of Military Valour (Medaglia di bronzo al valor militare) is an Italian medal for gallantry. It was established by Charles Albert of Sardinia on 26 March 1833, along with the higher ranking Gold and Silver Medals for Military valour. the medal was established by the Royal Decree of 4 November 1932, in which their purpose is defined as “To distinguish and publicly honor the authors of heroic military acts, even ones performed in time of peace, provided that the exploit is closely connected with the purposes for which the Armed Forces are constituted, whatever may be the condition or quality of the author.”
Recipients of the Bronze Medal of Military Valour
Republic of Korea – Service Medal
The Republic of Korea Service Medal was created 4 June 1974 to honour the long and devoted service of foreign military personnel in the defence of the Republic of Korea.
Recipients of the Republic of Korea Service Medal
Netherlands – Military Order of William
The Military Order of William (in Dutch: Militaire Willems-Orde), is the oldest and highest distinction of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Comparable to the French Legion of Honor, but much less frequently awarded, it is open to all without distinction of rank or nobility, not only to Dutch military personnel, but also to foreigners. To date, membership in the Order is extremely rare, and only for exceptional bravery in combat.
Recipients of the Netherlands Military Order of William
Netherlands – Order of Orange-Nassau
The Order of Orange-Nassau is awarded for longstanding meritorious service to society, the State or the Royal House. The first five of the six classes are: Knight Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight. Recipients of an award in the sixth class become members of the Order.
Recipients of the Netherlands Order of Orange-Nassau
Netherlands – Bronze Lion
The Bronze Lion (Dutch: Bronzen Leeuw) is a high Royal Dutch award, intended for servicemen who have shown extreme bravery and leadership in battle
Recipients of the Netherlands Bronze Lion
Netherlands – Bronze Cross
The Bronze Cross of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Dutch: “Het Bronzen Kruis”) was instituted on 11 June 1940 by Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands while she was residing in London during the German occupation of the Netherlands. The Bronze Cross is the third highest Dutch military decoration still being awarded for bravery.
Recipients of the Netherlands Bronze Cross
Netherlands – Cross of Merit
The Cross of Merit, (Dutch: Kruis van Verdienste) was instituted on 20 February 1941 as an award for those working in the interest of the Netherlands while faced with enemy actions and distinguishing oneself through valor and resolute behavior. The Dutch government in exile in London instituted several new awards for bravery which recognized the new way that wars were fought, with civilian resistance and the merchant navy in great peril.
Recipients of the Netherlands Cross of Merit
Poland – Order of Military Virtue
The War Order of Virtuti Militari (Latin: “For Military Virtue”, Polish: Order Wojenny Virtuti Militari) is Poland’s highest military decoration for heroism and courage in the face of the enemy at war. It was created in 1792 by Polish King Stanislaus II Augustus and is the oldest military decoration in the world still in use.
Recipients of the Order of Military Virtue
Poland – The Cross of Valour
The Cross of Valour (Polish: Krzyż Walecznych) is a Polish military decoration. It was first introduced by the Council of National Defense on 11 August 1920. It is awarded to an individual who “has demonstrated deeds of valour and courage on the field of battle.” It may be awarded to the same person up to four times.The medal is given only in wartime or shortly after.
Recipients of the Cross of Valour
Romania Barbatie Si Credinta medal
The Romanian Barbatie Si Credinta medal, Medal of Manhood and Faith, was instituted by Royal Decree No. 2812 of November 3, 1903 and amended by High Royal Decree No. 2523 of October 12, 1904. The medal was awarded to military and police who demonstrated manhood and faith in the performance of their duties. The medal can be awarded to any public official or private person who has contributed to the maintenance or restoration of public order and safety, has rendered important services to the police, has saved the life or property of a person in danger of his life, or has committed an act of manhood or faith.
Recipients of the Barbatie Si Credinta medal
Russia – Order of Saint Anna
The Order of Saint Anna (Russian: Орден Святой Анны) was established as a Holstein ducal and then Russian imperial order of chivalry established by Karl Friedrich, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, on 14 February 1735, in honour of his wife Anna Petrovna, daughter of Peter the Great of Russia. Membership of the Order was awarded for a distinguished career in civil service or for valour and distinguished service in the military. The Order of Saint Anna entitled recipients of the first class to hereditary nobility, and recipients of lower classes to personal nobility. For military recipients, it was awarded with swords. It is now usually awarded for meritorious service to the Imperial House of Russia.
Recipients of the Order of Saint Anna
Russia – Order of Saint Apostolic and Grand Duke Vladimir
The Order of Saint Vladimir (Russian: Орден Святого Владимира) was an Imperial Russian Order established in 1782 by Empress Catherine II (r. 1762–1796) in memory of the deeds of Saint Vladimir, the Grand Prince and the Baptizer of the Kievan Rus’. The order had four degrees and was awarded for continuous civil and military service.
Recipients of the Order of Saint Apostolic and Grand Duke Vladimir
Russia – Cross of Saint George
The Cross of Saint George (Russian: Георгиевский Крест) is a state decoration of the Russian Federation. It was initially established by Imperial Russia where it was officially known as the Decoration of the Military Order of Saint George between 1807 and 1913. Established in the February 1807 decree of Emperor Alexander I, it was intended as a reward for “undaunted courage” by the lower ranks (soldiers, sailors and NCOs) of the military.
Recipients of the Cross of Saint George
Russia – Order of Saint Stanislaus
The Order of Saint Stanislaus (Орденъ Св. Станислава) is a Russian dynastic order of knighthood founded as Order of the Knights of Saint Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr in 1765 by King Stanisław II Augustus of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. In 1831 after the downfall of the November Uprising, the order was incorporated into the Chapter of Russian Orders as part of the honours system of the Russian Empire by Emperor Nicholas I of Russia.
Recipients of the Order of Saint Stanislaus
Serbia – Order of the White Eagle
The Order of the White Eagle was a Royal Order in the Kingdom of Serbia (1883–1918) and the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1918–1945). King Milan I of Serbia instituted the Order of the White Eagle on 23 January 1883, concurrently with the Order of St. Sava. The Order had five classes and was conferred on Serbian and Yugoslav citizens for achievements in peace or war, or for special merits to the Crown, the state and nation. In the period between 1883 and 1898 Order of the White Eagle was the highest award in the Kingdom of Serbia.
Recipients of the Order of the White Eagle
Sweden – Red Cross Service Medal
The Red Cross Service Medal is recorded as being awarded in the Gunners of Canada Volume 2.
Recipients of the Swedish Red Cross Service Medal
United Kingdom – Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct
The Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct formerly the King’s Commendation for Brave Conduct, acknowledged brave acts by both civilians and members of the armed services in both war and peace, for gallantry not in the presence of an enemy. Established by King George VI in 1939, the award was discontinued in 1994 on the institution of the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.
Recipients of The Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct
United States of America – Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The decoration is issued to members of the eight uniformed services of the United States as well as to military and political figures of foreign governments.
Recipients of the USA Legion of Merit
United States of America – Distinguished Service Medal
The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Army, has distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility.
Recipients of the USA Distinguished Service Medal
United States of America – Bronze Star
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone. Foreign soldiers who have served with or alongside a service branch of the United States Armed Forces are eligible for this award.
Recipients of the USA Bronze Star
United States of America – Defense Meritorious Service Medal
The Defense Meritorious Service Medal is an award bestowed upon members of the United States military, and any member of the armed forces of a friendly foreign nation, by the United States Department of Defense. The medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in a joint activity, distinguish themselves by non-combat outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a degree to warrant award of the Defense Superior Service Medal.
Recipients of the USA Defense Meritorious Service Medal
United States of America – Meritorious Service Medal
The Meritorious Service Medal is a military award presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969. A higher award and decoration, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, is intended for similar services performed under joint duty within the United States Department of Defense, to include the Joint Staff, the Unified Combatant Commands, and joint task forces under their cognizance.
Recipients of the USA Meritorious Service Medal
United States of America – Air Medal
The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States Armed Forces. It was created in 1942 and is awarded for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.
Recipients of the USA Air Medal
North Atlantic Treaty Organization – Meritorious Service Medal
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Meritorious Service Medal was approved by the North Atlantic Council, and is awarded to military and civilian personnel who have been commended for providing exceptional or remarkable service to NATO. The Secretary of Defense has approved the acceptance and wear of the NATO MSM for U.S. military and civilian personnel.
Recipients of the NATO Meritorious Service Medal
