Médaille de la Défense nationale

Médaille de la Défense nationale
Medal with ribbon
Awarded by  France
Type	Medal with three classes (Gold, Silver and Bronze)
Eligibility	Military
Awarded for	Particularly honorable service rendered to the French military
Status	Currently awarded
Statistics
Established	21 April 1982
Precedence
Next (higher)	Médaille d'Outre-Mer
Next (lower)	Médaille des services militaires volontaires
Bronze Silver Gold For citation when no cross is awarded

The Médaille de la Défense nationale (National Defense Medal) is a French military decoration. It was created by Charles Hernu, Minister of Defense and established by the decree of April 21, 1982. It rewards particularly honorable service rendered to the military for their participation in operational activities. The medal has three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Eligibility

For Service

The award is decided by the hierarchy, but the recipients must have a personal minimum:

• For the Bronze level: 1 year service and 90 points
• For the Silver level: 5 years of service (minimum 2 years in the Bronze level) and 600 points
• For the Gold level: 10 years of service (minimum 2 years in the silver grade) and 800 points

The number of awards at gold and silver levels are set by a ministerial quota.

Exceptional Circumstances

The medal can be awarded in any one of three levels to:

• Military personnel on active or reserve and civilians killed or injured in the line of duty
• Active military or reserves which are distinguished by the quality of services rendered
• French civilians and foreign military or civilians who have rendered honorable services particularly to the defense of France.

When an individual is mentioned in despatches (citation dans les ordres) without being awarded the Croix de la Valeur militaire, he or she is awarded the Médaille de la Défense nationale at the gold level, adorned with a clasp depending on the level of mention (bronze, silver or silver gilt star or palm).

See also

• Ribbons of the French military and civil awards

References

• http://www.france-phaleristique.com/accueil.htm
• http://www.entente-combattants-herault.com/decorations.html