The Victoria Cross (post-nominal letters "VC") is the highest military honour of the British Empire and the Commonwealth of Nations, being awarded only for extraordinary valour and devotion to duty while facing a hostile force. It is the highest honour in the Canadian honour system, placed before all other orders, decorations and medals, including the Order of Canada, in the Order of Precedence. It was historically awarded to members of the Canadian Forces of any rank in any service, and to allies serving under or with Canadian military command;