History

The Medal for Defeating the Traitors (Medalla por la Derrota a los Traidores) was authorized by the Mexican government in 1862, in recognition of the Officers and men who fought against conservative forces to prevent their association with the French army in Puebla on May 4, 1862.

The composition of the Medal denotes the rank of the recipient. The Gold Medal was awarded to Chiefs, while the Silver Medal was conferred to Officers, and the Bronze Medal to enlisted men.

The Medal features an obverse inscription that can be translated to "The Mexican Republic to its Brave Sons," and a reverse inscription that can be translated to "Defeating the Traitors on 4th May, Helping to the Triumph Achieved at Puebla against French Army on 5th May, 1862."

The Gold Medal was authorized with different characteristics depending on the rank of the recipient.