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The 1914–1918 Commemorative war medal (French: "Médaille commémorative de la guerre 1914–1918") was awarded to soldiers and sailors for service in World War I. It was also awarded to civilians who met certain requirements. Created by Act of June 23, 1920, it was awarded to any military member for service between 2 August 1914 and November 11, 1918. It is also given to civilians who served in the same period in the army or the Interior.[1]
1914–1918 Commemorative war medal (France) | |
---|---|
Type | Medal |
Awarded for | Service in World War I |
Presented by | France |
Established | 23 June 1920 |
Precedence | |
Next (higher) | Médaille commémorative des batailles de la Marne (1914-1918) |
Next (lower) | Médaille commémorative de la bataille de la Somme |
An open competition was held for the design, with engravers presenting 73 models to the jury. The model of Pierre-Alexandre Morlon was ultimately adopted. The profile of the event was increased when the prestigious magazine L'Illustration pictured the six models selected in an article of January 29, 1921.[2]
The 1914–1918 Commemorative war medal was awarded to those who served in the following conditions between August 2, 1914, and November 11, 1918:[1]
The medal is round with a diameter of 33 mm. It is bronze. On the obverse, is an effigy of a youthful Minerva in profile, wearing the helmet of 1915, representing France. She is crowned with laurels and holding a sword in her left hand. There are bay leaves mixed with oak leaves at the top to join a horizontal slit, through which the ribbon passes and is attached to the medal.[1]
On the reverse is the legend: GRANDE GUERRE 1914-1918, surrounded by the inscription REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE.[1]
There was originally a clasp "Engagés Volontaires" for volunteer enlistees. It was replaced when the Croix du combattant volontaire 1914-1918 was established in 1935.[4]
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