- Time Period: The Great War
- Institution: 23 June 1920
- Country: France
The 1914–1918 Commemorative war medal (or “Médaille commémorative de la guerre 1914–1918” in French) was awarded to soldiers and sailors for service in World War I, and to civilians who met certain requirements, for service between 2 August 1914 and November 11, 1918.
The 1914–1918 Commemorative War Medal Design
The design of the medals was decided by an open contest that had invited many engravers of the time. A total of 73 models were presented to the jury, and Pierre-Alexandre Morlon’s was ultimately adopted.
The medal is made of bronze, round and measures 33 mm in diameter. The obverse shows an effigy of a youthful Minerva in profile, wearing the helmet of 1914 which represents France. She is crowned with laurels and holds a sword in her left hand. On the reverse is the legend: GRANDE GUERRE 1914-1918, surrounded by the inscription REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE.
