The Canadian Forces' Decoration (post-nominal letters "CD") is a Canadian award bestowed upon members of the Canadian Armed 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 their appointment, which includes the title of Commander-in-Chief in and over Canada. The decoration is awarded to all ranks, who must have a good record of conduct during the final eight years of claimed service. The medal was initially awarded to all members of the Royal Family who served in the Canadian Forces, even without completion of twelve years of service; this has, however, not been automatic since 1953.

  • Air Commodore Leonard Birchall, 5 clasps
  • Queen Elizabeth II, no clasps worn by choice
  • Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, 5 clasps
  • King Charles III, 3 clasps
  • Queen Camilla
  • Major-General James George Ross, 95; enrolled 1879, First World War veteran, honorary colonel of the Royal Canadian Army Pay Corps from 1948 to 1955, invested with the insignia in 1956 as the oldest member of the Canadian Forces to receive the CD
  • Ranger Abraham Metatawabin, 92, served with the Canadian Rangers from 1963 to 1971. He re-enrolled in 1995. He was a former chief of Fort Albany.
  • Ranger Richard Newell, 5 clasps. The only person to be awarded a fifth clasp with a non-honorary position. He joined the CAF in 1957, retiring from regular force in 1986, when he joined the Canadian Rangers, with whom he was still serving . In June 2025 he was awarded his fifth clasp.

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General and cited references

  • View Decoration