- Time Period: World War II
- Institution: 14 February 1945
- Country: France
The Aeronautical Medal (or “Médaille de l’Aéronautique”) is a state decoration of France established by the decree of 14 February 14. It is awarded to both military personnel and civilians for outstanding accomplishments related to the field of aeronautics.
Originally envisioned before the Second World War, it was intended as an equal to the Order of Maritime Merit. The intent was to create an aerial order of merit intended for civilian and military personnel working in aeronautics. The war temporarily put an end to the project until February 1945.
Recipients are chosen by a council presided by a member of the office of the secretary of state for the armed forces (air) that will be composed of:
- the chief of staff of the air force,
- the director of the aeronautical administration control department,
- the technical and industry director to the secretary of state for the armed forces (air),
- a member named by decree of the minister for public works, transport and tourism, representing the ministry,
- a representative of the aerial navigation companies named for two years by decree of the minister for public works, transport and tourism,
- a personality with a history of exceptional services in aeronautics named for two years by decree of the secretary of state for the armed forces (air).
The Aeronautical Medal is limited to no more than 275 new recipients per year, it is awarded twice annually on 1 January and 14 July.
The Aeronautical Medal Design
The medal is rectangular and of gilt metal. The obverse bears the gilt left profile of Marianne from the 1940s representing France, below Marianne, the gilt inscription “Honneur et Patrie” (Honour and Country). The reverse bears the inscription on four lines “MÉDAILLE DE L’AÉRONAUTIQUE 1945” (AERONAUTICAL MEDAL 1945).
The medal is enameled in red except for Marianne, the inscription and a 2 mm exterior border. The medal is suspended to a 37 mm wide royal blue silk moiré ribbon by a wing shaped pendant with a relief five pointed star at its center and an horizontal slot to receive the ribbon.
