Everything you need to know about military medals

French military medals embody the respect, recognition and honor given to soldiers for their courage, their loyalty and their devotion to the nation. For several centuries, these distinctions have symbolized the commitment of those who defend France, in times of peace as well as in periods of conflict. From the legendary Legion of Honor to commemorative medals, each military decoration tells a story of bravery and heroism. They reflect not only the nation's gratitude, but also the deep values of the French army and the importance of commitment in service to the homeland.

  

Summary: 

• The military medal in history
• French military medals
• Award period
• Award criteria
• Characteristics of military decorations
• The military medal in figures

  

 

Established in 1852 by Napoleon III, the military medal made it possible to reward the best soldiers of his troops, thus ensuring their support for future battles. Anonymous soldiers and great war chiefs were then placed on equal footing under a common motto: "Valor and Discipline".

 

 

 

Here is a list of the main French military medals and decorations:

 

National Orders

• Legion of Honor: Highest French distinction, awarded for eminent military or civilian merits. For example, Léon Marchand, the most decorated athlete of the 2024 Olympic edition with four gold medals, was made a knight of the Legion of Honor on September 14 during the closing ceremony.

• Order of Liberation: Created by General de Gaulle in 1940, it is reserved for persons, cities and units that contributed to the liberation of France during World War II. Nantes was the first city to receive this decoration, having lived under German occupation during World War II.

• National Order of Merit: Created in 1963, it rewards distinguished merits, military or civilian. Anne-Sophie Pic, French triple-starred chef, was promoted to officer of the national order of merit at the end of 2022.

 

Medals for acts of courage and devotion

• Military Medal: Awarded to military personnel, it rewards soldiers and officers for their acts of bravery and exceptional service, honoring notable military and civilian figures since its creation, such as Jean Moulin.

• Medal of the National Gendarmerie: To reward exceptional services rendered within the Gendarmerie. Until 2004, it represented the supreme distinction for Gendarmerie military personnel and was awarded with great reserve, given that nearly half of the recipients had received the decoration posthumously.

• Medal for War Wounded: Awarded to military personnel and resistance fighters wounded physically or psychologically during combat.

 

• Resistance Medal: For persons and groups who resisted the German occupation during World War II, awarded to 65,295 resistance fighters including 25,722 posthumously.

• Combatant's Cross: The Combatant's Cross is a French military distinction honoring soldiers who have participated in war operations, a symbol of national recognition for their courage and commitment in service to France.

 

National Defense decorations and medals

• War Cross 1914-1918: For heroic acts during World War I

• War Cross 1939-1945: Awarded for bravery during World War II.

• War Cross for External Theaters of Operations (TOE): For acts of bravery outside French territories.

• Cross of Military Valor: Since 1956, it has replaced certain War Crosses and distinguishes military personnel for acts of bravery in operations.

 

Commemorative medals

• Algeria Commemorative Medal: For military service in Algeria between 1954 and 1962.

• Commemorative Medal for Security and Peacekeeping Operations in North Africa (1952-1962): For those who participated in these operations in North Africa.

• French Commemorative Medal: For participation in certain military operations since 1991.

 

Other distinctions and specific medals

• National Defense Medal: Rewards commitment to defense service and mission accomplishment.

• Overseas Medal: Awarded to military personnel who have served in overseas territories.

• Medal of Recognition of the Nation: Honors services rendered to the country during military operations.

• Medal of honor for acts of courage and devotion: Rewards acts of courage and devotion outside the strictly military framework.

 

Medals for specific services

• Medal for Military Protection of the Territory: Awarded to military personnel engaged in protection missions on national territory.

• Medal of honor of the Armed Forces Health Service: Honors members of the Armed Forces Health Service for their services.

  

These decorations are worn according to their rank in the hierarchy of medals, and they symbolize courage, devotion, sacrifice and services rendered to France. Many other medals and distinctions complete this list, testifying to the diversity of services and acts honored.

 

There are 2 annual promotions:

• from June to July for active military personnel (career or reserve officer) 
• in November for reserve military personnel or for veterans 

 

Military decorations are awarded during official ceremonies marking symbolic events, such as national commemoration days, the July 14th celebration, or after specific missions

 

To be eligible for the Military Medal, the following criteria must be met:

 

• Enlistment under the colors: Candidates must justify at least eight years of active service within the French armed forces.
• Citations to the order of the army: The distinction is often awarded to military personnel who have received official citations for acts of exceptional bravery or devotion.
• Wounds in service: Military personnel wounded in combat or during commanded missions are also eligible for this medal in recognition of their sacrifices.
• Acts of courage and devotion: Heroic actions demonstrating exemplary courage, whether performed in combat situations or on missions, may justify the award of the Military Medal.

 

The award of this distinction follows a rigorous process, involving a proposal from the Ministry of the Armed Forces and the council of the order of the Legion of Honor. The final decision rests with the President of the Republic, who signs the award decrees, thus making this national recognition official.

 

 

Military decorations exist in several forms, but the most emblematic remains the medal, often accompanied by various other distinctions:

 

• Regulation Model: This model, also called "pendant medal", is the official version presented during ceremonies. Its diameter is approximately 37 mm and it is worn by active military personnel.
• Reduced Model: The miniaturized version, or "reduced model", is a medal or cross of 15 mm in diameter, mainly used during galas or official ceremonies.
• "Dixmude" Bar: This variant is a rectangular ribbon (37 mm x 10 mm) equivalent to the ribbon of the medal or cross. It is worn only on official attire or uniforms.
• Boutonniere attribute: This accessory is worn in civilian situations, often as a rosette or ribbon holder 2 mm wide on the lapel of a jacket. It symbolizes the decoration without displaying the entire medal.

 

 

 

The Military Medal is awarded to approximately 2,700 French and 30 foreigners each year. Here are some other impressive figures:

• More than one million soldiers and non-commissioned officers decorated in a century and a half.
• 148,000 living military personnel, primarily veterans, currently hold the Military Medal.
• More than 10,000 women have received this medal since 1859, thus marking their contribution to military history.
• 10 regimental emblems have been decorated.

  

  

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