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Bronze Maltese cross with laurel wreath between the arms on laterally-pierced loop suspension; the face with a central rhombus bearing the helmeted head of a soldier facing left and inscribed ‘REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE’, signed ‘M Delannoy’ (for the great French Art Deco engraver Maurice Delannoy, 1885-1972); the reverse with a central rhombus inscribed ‘SERVICES MILITAIRES VOLONTAIRES’; on possibly replaced correct ribbon.
The award was created on 13 May 1934 and intended to recompense those who were not full-time military but who served in the voluntary reserves of the armed forces and were liable to call-up in times of war.
The award was discontinued in 1957, being superseded by the Mérite Militaire but was reinstated in 1975.
The first type of the medal had octagons rather than rhombuses and a smaller head.
This example is of the second type.
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