The Star of Military Valour is a military decoration that is, within the Canadian system of honours, the second highest award for military valour, and one of three honours for military valour awarded by the Canadian monarch, generally through his or her viceroy-in-Council. Created in 1993, the medal is presented to both living and deceased members of the Canadian Forces deemed to have demonstrated "distinguished and valiant service in the presence of the enemy," and grants recipients the ability to use the post-nominal letters SMV.
The Star of Military Valour
Col. Bill Fletcher wearing his S.M.V. ribbon bar
Orders, decorations, and medals of Canada
The orders, decorations, and medals of Canada comprise a complex system by which Canadians are honoured by the country's sovereign for actions or deeds that benefit their community or the country at large. Modelled on its British predecessor, the structure originated in the 1930s, but began to come to full fruition at the time of Canada's centennial in 1967, with the establishment of the Order of Canada, and has since grown in both size and scope to include dynastic and national orders, state, civil, and military decorations; and various campaign medals. The monarch in right of each Canadian province also issues distinct orders and medals to honour residents for work performed in just their province. The provincial honours, as with some of their national counterparts, grant the use of post-nominal letters and or supporters and other devices to be used on personal coats of arms.
A medal awarded for participation in repelling the Fenian raids, presented by Queen Victoria in 1899
Prime Minister of Canada R.B. Bennett, who advised King George V to create the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Long Service Medal
The former Queen of Canada, Elizabeth II, was during her reign the fount of the Canadian honours system, pictured here wearing her insignia as Sovereign of the Order of Canada and of the Order of Military Merit
A replica of Father Maurice Proulx's Order of Canada medal in the Musée François-Pilote in La Pocatière, Quebec.