CD – 3rd Clasp awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel Rod Sterling

On 5 November 2020, the Commander of the Canadian Army (CCA) presented our own Lieutenant-Colonel Rod Sterling with the 3rd clasp to his Canadian Forces’ Decoration, marking 42 years of distinguished service to Her Majesty’s Canadian Armed Forces. LCol Sterling commenced his career in 1978 with 723 Communication Squadron, Halifax. Presently, LCol Sterling serves with Director Canadian Rangers at Canadian Army Headquarters. On behalf of the C&E Branch, the Colonel Commandant and the Branch Leadership extend their congratulations to Rod to acknowledge and applaud his remarkable dedication to Canada.

The decoration is awarded to officers and NCMs of the Regular and Reserve forces, including honorary appointments. It is conferred in recognition of long service marked by good conduct. The medal is initially bestowed upon reaching twelve years of honourable service.

A clasp (bar) is awarded for every subsequent period of ten years of qualifying service. The clasp portrays the shield of the Canadian coat of arms in the centre surmounted by the Sovereign’s Crown, and is gold in colour. Likewise, the undress ribbon is decorated with a silver rosette.

The post-nominals ‘CD’ is authorized for use upon receiving the decoration. Of note, subsequent awarding of clasps do not alter the post-nominals in anyway. It remains ‘CD’ irrespective of clasps / rosettes awarded.