Special Service Medal

The Special Service Medal (SSM) is a medal created to recognize members of the Canadian Forces who take part in activities and operations under exceptional circumstances, in a clearly defined locality for a specified duration. The SSM recognizes approved activities underway on 11 June 1984 or subsequently established. This medals is always issued with a bar that specifies the special service being recognized, each bar having its own criteria.

Description

A circular copper and zinc alloy medal, 36 mm in diameter.

Bars

The bars are silver in colour with a raised edge and bear the title of the bar on a pebbled background.

PAKISTAN 1989-90

PEACE-PAIX

ALERT

HUMANITAS

RANGER

JUGOSLAVIJA (bar cancelled, none issued)

NATO + OTAN

EXPEDITION

Obverse

The obverse has a maple leaf surrounded by a laurel wreath.

Reverse

The reverse has the inscription "SPECIAL SERVICE SPÉCIAL" ensigned with the Royal Crown and Cypher.

Ribbon

The ribbon is 32 mm wide with a dark green centre (12 mm) flanked with white stripes (5mm) and edged with red (5 mm). The dark green is similar to the "unification green" of the uniform worn when the medal was approved in 1984, red and white are the official colours of Canada as appointed by King George V in 1921.

Mounting

For mounting, a single-toe claw attached to the top of the medal and to the centre of a straight, slotted bar.

Dates

For service after, or underway as of, 11 June 1984.

Naming

The medal is not named.