Commemorative Medal online of the Great War (IWW) 1914-1918. Original French Military Decoration for Combatants. France

• Commemorative Medal of the Great War (First World War) 1914-1918. France.

• Ribbon: the ribbon is cut along eleven alternating white and light red stripes: six white and five red.

• Manufacturer: La Monnaie de Paris.

• Material: bronze.

• Dimensions and weight:
› Diameter: 33 mm.
› Height with strap: 90 mm.
› Weight: 23.6 gr. (ribbon included).

• Description:

On the obverse, a symbolic effigy, a profile of a young, energetic and serious relief represents France with the helmet of the Burgundian, (that is, the helmet used during the 1914-1918 war), a modern collar, the left hand holding an ancient sword under the guard cross. Resting on the shoulder line, a bundle of laurel branches that rise to put a discreet embroidery of glory on the metal of the helmet. They are also laurel leaves mixed with oak leaves that, at the top, join the medal to the online bail that will receive the ribbon.

On the reverse, the inscription "French Republic" surrounds the words: "Great War 1914-1918".

• Origin:

With the aim of rewarding all the participants in the conflict, during the First World War several government and parliamentary initiatives arose to create "a tangible mark of participation in the immense struggle", along with "the decorations themselves". all soldiers will not be able to acquire.” Alexandre Millerand, Minister of War, introduced a bill to that effect in September 1915. But it was not until the bill was introduced on June 11, 1919 by the government, adopted by the House and Senate, to the creation of the Commemorative Medal of 1914-1918 (law of June 23, 1920). It is awarded to any soldier or present under the flags or on board ships between August 2, 1914 and November 11, 1918. It is also awarded to civilians who served between these same dates in the armies or in the interior.