The Military Cross can be awarded to commissioned officers of the substantive rank of Captain or below or Warrant Officers for distinguished and meritorious services in battle. In 1920, the terms were altered to clearly state the award was for gallant and distinguished services in action and that naval and air force officers could be awarded the cross for gallant and distinguished services on the ground.

The Military Cross was awarded once to 2885 members of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (Army) during World War I; the Military Cross plus bar were awarded to another 294; and the Military Cross and two bars were awarded to a further 16 servicemen.