Five-pointed miniature Maltese cross with rays between the arms, with loop for ribbon suspension; the face with a central circular medallion bearing the arms of the Republic of Haiti encircled by a ring inscribed ‘MEDAILLE MILITAIRE’ (Military Medal); the reverse with a blank central circular medallion encircled by a ring inscribed ‘GARDE D’HAITI’ (Haitian Guard); diameter 19mm (¾ inch); on original ribbon. The Haitian Guard (Garde d'Haïti) was created from the Haitian Constabulary (Gendarmerie d'Haïti) in 1928 under United States command and formed the basis for Haiti’s army when US forces left in 1934. The Garde thus had an extremely short life and, as a result the medal, especially in miniature form, is very rare.
|