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Miniature bronze ribbed Greek cross with loop for ribbon suspension; the face with a central circular medallion with the figure ‘25’ encircled by a ring inscribed ‘MERITE DEVOUEMENT’ (Merit Devotion); the reverse with a central circular medallion bearing the initials ‘AdH’ (Armée de Haïti = Army of Haiti) encircled by a ring inscribed ‘FIDELITE DISCIPLINE’ (Loyalty Discipline); diameter 17.17mm (0.67 inch); on original ribbon with brooch bar mounted for wear. The United States of America invaded Haiti in 1915 and disbanded the army. In February 1916, the Haitian Constabulary (Gendarmerie d'Haïti) was created under United States command and in 1928 became the Garde d'Haïti, forming the basis for Haiti’s army when US forces left in 1934. The army continued to play a central role in Haitian politics, despite its power being undermined by the role of the paramilitary Tontons Macoute. In 1994 the US again occupied Haiti and the armed forces were demobilised. The Haitian army in its modern form thus existed only from 1934 to 1994 and, as a result of this, and also the historic instability of the country and the army, the medal is rare, especially in miniature
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