Centenary of the Military Medal (1852-1952)
The military medal is a French military decoration, established on January 22, 1852 by Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte1 intended for non-commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, and exceptionally, general officers and marshals of France.
It is sometimes called the Legion of Honor for non-commissioned officers and non-commissioned members, the Medal of the Brave or the jewel of the nation.
Model known as the Third Republic in force from 1870 to 1951.
It is awarded by the President of the Republic on the proposal of the Minister of the Armed Forces, under the conditions provided for by the Code of the Legion of Honor, the military medal and the National Order of Merit.
It is the third decoration in the order of precedence after the Legion of Honor and the Order of the Liberation.
Of all French military decorations, this represents the highest distinction, rewarding in times of war marshals of France and generals, already Grand Crosses of the Legion of Honor. In this case, the military medal is worn in front of the grand cross of the Legion of Honor. However, according to the Grand Chancellery, no text formalizes this provision.
It is sometimes called the Legion of Honor for non-commissioned officers and non-commissioned members, the Medal of the Brave or the jewel of the nation.
Model known as the Third Republic in force from 1870 to 1951.
It is awarded by the President of the Republic on the proposal of the Minister of the Armed Forces, under the conditions provided for by the Code of the Legion of Honor, the military medal and the National Order of Merit.
It is the third decoration in the order of precedence after the Legion of Honor and the Order of the Liberation.
Of all French military decorations, this represents the highest distinction, rewarding in times of war marshals of France and generals, already Grand Crosses of the Legion of Honor. In this case, the military medal is worn in front of the grand cross of the Legion of Honor. However, according to the Grand Chancellery, no text formalizes this provision.