Military chaplain returned to their home nation unless retained to minister to prisoners of war. Inevitably, serving chaplains have died in action. The US Army and Marines lost 100 chaplains killed in action during World War II: the third highest casualty rate behind the infantry and the Army Air Forces. Many have been decorated for bravery in action (five have been awarded Britain's highest award for gallantry, the Victoria Cross, and nine have received the Medal of Honor). The Chaplain's Medal for Heroism is a special US military decoration given to military chaplains who have been killed in the line of duty,
Military Decoration for gallantry or exceptional devotion medal is thus awarded, after 20 years of active service aboard Belgian Navy vessels. In the period 2009-2013, the Military Decoration for Exceptional Service or Acts of Courage or Devotion second class was awarded 58 times, mostly for exceptional devotion to duty (see below). During the same period, the Military Decoration for Exceptional Service or Acts of Courage or Devotion first class was not awarded. Military Decoration for gallantry or exceptional devotion The Military Decoration (, ) is a military award of the Kingdom of Belgium. It was established on December 23, 1873 and is awarded to military personnel of