History

The Star of Courage was introduced on 1 May 1972 and is the second highest award for courage in the Canadian Honours System. The Star is conferred upon individuals who demonstrate outstanding courage in situations of extreme danger. The award is conferred upon both Canadians and foreign citizens who perform an act of bravery that is directly in the interest of Canada. The act may have been performed in Canada or abroad.

The decoration may be conferred multiple times. Subsequent awards are conferred in the form of a gold bar with a maple leaf in the centre.

The design of the Star is identical to the design of the Star of Military Courage, except it is silver and features a gold-coloured wreath.