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Circular gilt bronze medal on laterally pierced ball suspension; the face with the figure of the ‘Marseillaise’ circumscribed ‘RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE’, with Paris Mint bronze-gilt cornucopia assay mark; the reverse with a Phrygian bonnet on a laurel branch and inscribed ‘ARMÉE-NATION’ and ‘DÉFENCE NATIONALE’; on original ribbon.
The Medal was instituted by the decree of 21 April 1982 by Charles Hernu, Minister of Defence, from an idea of General de Boissieu (Grand Chancellor of the Légion d'Honneur and former head of the French Army) to reward military on national service, as well as career soldiers.
The Medal is awarded in three classes - gold, silver and bronze – and awards are made on a points system based on length and places of service, good conduct and other factors.
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