BACKGROUND: The French Médaille militaire (Military Medal) was instituted on 22 January 1852 by Louis Napoleon (Emperor Napoléon III) and was awarded only to non-commissioned officers and soldiers. Its requirements were acts of courage, devotion to duty, receipt of a citation, being wounded in combat and for completion of eight years of military service. It ranks second of all French decorations with only the Legion of Honor holding precedence. There have been nine main types of successive medals issued over the years. Of Note: Medals with a 1870 date and a hinged suspension are of the 8th type and were issued from 1870 to 1951.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A circular medal, about 3cm in diameter, with a blue enamel bordered, gilt washed central medallion to the front and back, surrounded by a silver wash laurel wreath. The front of the medallion has a recessed gilt center and is embossed with the left facing profile of Emperor Louis Napoleon III surrounded by the text in the blue border "Louis Napoleon". The reverse medallion has a gilt center with the embossed Text "Valeur et Discipline" surrounded by a blue border. To the top of the medal is a hinged, gilt washed Imperial Eagle with loop. The moire ribbon has a yellow center with green stripes to either side edged in yellow. Included is the original red velvet and silk lined case that measures approximately 2cm x 6cm x 12cm.