Medals from France

French Military Medals & Awards from WW1, WW2 and More

France was in ancient times part of the Celtic territory known as Gaul or Gallia. Since the 17th century, the country has played a major role in European and world events including the Renaissance, the Protestant Reformation, the French Revolution, the devastation of two world wars, political and social upheavals, and the loss of a large empire. A lot of these events were commemorated in medals, decorations, and awards.

The French national system of honors is divided into two categories: Honors awarded on behalf of the President of the Republic (such as the Legion of Honor, the Military Medal, or the National Order of Merit), and ministerial honors (such as ministerial orders and commemorative medals). Learn more about these and more French decorations below.

Popular French Medals, Orders & Decorations

French medals, orders, and decorations are steeped in tradition and hold significant prestige. Here are some of the most renowned medals, orders, and decorations designed to honor individuals for their bravery, service, and contributions to society.

The Order of Saint Michael

The Order of Saint Michael (or Ordre de Saint-Michel) is a French dynastic order of chivalry founded by Louis XI of France on 1 August 1469.

The War Cross 1939-1945

The War Cross 1939–1945 (Croix de guerre 1939–1945) is a French military decoration to honor those who fought with the Allies during WW2.

The Volunteer Combatant’s Cross

The Volunteer combatant’s cross (Croix du combattant volontaire) was a French decoration for volunteers that served during World War II.

Pre-WW1 Medals and Awards: The Legion of Honour

The Legion of Honor

The Legion of Honor (or Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur in French) is the highest French order of merit for military and civil merits.

The War Cross 1914-1918

The War Cross 1914-1918 (Croix de guerre) is a French military decoration for French and allied soldiers for valorous service during WW1.

French Medals from Before WW1

Before World War I, French medals were primarily awarded for military valor and service. Some of the notable decorations included the Legion of Honor, established by Napoleon Bonaparte 🔗 in 1802 to recognize outstanding military and civilian achievements; the Military Medal, instituted in 1852 for acts of bravery by enlisted soldiers; and the War Cross, created in 1915 to honor acts of valor during wartime (WW1). These medals symbolized France’s long-standing tradition of honoring courage, sacrifice, and service to the nation.

The 1901 China Expedition Commemorative Medal

The 1901 China expedition commemorative medal is a military campaign medal established to recognize service in China in 1900 and 1901.

The Colonial Medal

The Colonial Medal is a decoration created by the loi de finances of 26 July 1893 to reward military services in the colonies.

The Commemorative Medal of the 1859 Italian Campaign

The Commemorative medal of the 1859 Italian Campaign is a French commemorative medal established by Napoleon III in 1859.

The Commemorative Medal of the 1860 China Expedition

The Commemorative medal of the 1860 China Expedition is a military award of the Second French Empire awarded to soldiers and sailors.

The Commemorative Medal of the 1862 Mexico Expedition

The Commemorative medal of the Mexico Expedition is a commemorative campaign medal established by French emperor Napoleon III.

The Commemorative Medal of the 1870-1871 War

The Commemorative medal of the 1870–1871 War is a military campaign medal awarded to those who served during the Franco-Prussian War.

French Medals from WW1

France played a significant role in World War I as one of the major Allied powers fighting against the Central Powers, primarily Germany and Austria-Hungary. Militarily, France faced the brunt of German aggression during the early stages of the war. The German invasion of France through Belgium, known as the Schlieffen Plan 🔗, aimed to quickly defeat France before turning east to confront Russia. However, French forces, aided by the British Expeditionary Force, managed to halt the German advance at the Battle of the Marne 🔗 in September 1914. This marked a crucial turning point, preventing the Germans from achieving a swift victory.

WW1 Medals and Awards: 1914–1918 Commemorative War Medal

The 1914–1918 Commemorative War Medal

The 1914–1918 Commemorative war medal was awarded to soldiers, sailors, and some civilians for service in World War I.

The Dardanelles Campaign Medal

The Dardanelles campaign medal is a French military medal awarded for participation in the Battle of the Dardanelles or Gallipoli campaign.

The Medal for Civilian Prisoners, Deportees and Hostages

The Medal for Civilian Prisoners, Deportees and Hostages of the 1914-1918 Great War is a commemorative medal awarded to French civilians.

The Medal for Victims of the Invasion

The Medal for Victims of the Invasion was a military decoration awarded to civilians who suffered during the German invasion of France.

The Medal of French Gratitude

The Medal of French Gratitude is a French honour medal only awarded to civilians to express gratitude by the French government.

The Orient Campaign Medal

The Orient Campaign Medal was a French military medal awarded for participation in the battles against the Central Powers 1915-1918.

Keep scrolling for Interwar and WW2 medals ↓

French Medals from the
Interwar and WW2 Periods

During World War II, France awarded various medals to recognize acts of bravery, service, and sacrifice. These medals honored military personnel, resistance fighters, and civilians who contributed to the war effort. Learn about the medals issued in the interwar period and discover the medals and decorations earned by French soldiers during World War II, including those who resisted Nazi occupation and fought alongside Allied forces.

The War Cross for Foreign Operational Theaters

The War Cross for Foreign Operational Theaters or TOE is a French military award denoting citations earned in combat in foreign countries.

The War Cross 1939-1945

The War Cross 1939–1945 (Croix de guerre 1939–1945) is a French military decoration to honor those who fought with the Allies during WW2.

The Volunteer Combatant’s Cross

The Volunteer combatant’s cross (Croix du combattant volontaire) was a French decoration for volunteers that served during World War II.

The Royal Order of Cambodia

The Royal Order of Cambodia (Ordre Royal du Cambodge) was a colonial chivalric order in French Cambodia and is still in use in the present day.

The Resistance Medal

The Resistance medal (Médaille de la Résistance) was a decoration bestowed by the French Committee of National Liberation during World War II.

The Recusants Insignia

The Recusant’s Insignia is a French medal to honor French citizens who had evaded the Compulsory Work Service in Germany.

French Medals from the Post-WW2 Period

Explore the medals awarded in the post-World War II era, highlighting France’s involvement in international conflicts, peacekeeping missions, and its contributions to European unity through decorations like the Legion of Honor.