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,
Meritorious Service Decoration Meritorious Service Decoration The Meritorious Service Decorations (), available in two forms as the Meritorious Service Cross (Fr.: "Croix du service méritoire") and the Meritorious Service Medal (Fr.: "Médaille du service méritoire"), are Canadian decorations awarded to those who have demonstrated an outstanding level of service or set an exemplary standard of achievement to benefit or honour Canada. The decoration, awarded to both Canadians and non-Canadians and available in both military and civilian divisions, is awarded by the reigning ) and presented on behalf by the Governor General. The military division recognizes individuals for bringing honour to the Canadian Forces