History

The Commemorative Medal for the Great War 1914-1918 was awarded to all soldiers and sailors (and merchant sailors) who served under the French flag, and all foreign soldiers and sailors who served under French authority between August 2, 1914 and November 11, 1918.

The design of the Medal was decided from a contest. There were a total of 73 submissions received from French artists. The chosen design was created by Pierre-Alexandre Morlon. This official model was made by five different manufacturers: Monnaie de Paris, Arthus-Bertrand, Janvier-Berchot, J.Gatty, and Léon Chalin.

The medal with the nickel silver “ENGAGE VOLONTAIRE” clasp was awarded to the following: Officers who remained engaged despite having been relieved of military obligation due to age; foreigners who served in the ranks of the French Army; railway officers; nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and medics; civil guards, police, and firefighters of bombarded towns; Parisian police officers and all militarized divisions; those French nationals who enlisted in allied armies because they could not serve in the French Army; colonial workers who were engaged in the defense of France; those who served in the Knights of Columbus, the American Red Cross and the French Red Cross in war zones; and to women who served as mechanics, telephone operators and secretaries in various bodies of the army. The Medal with clasp was worn until July 4, 1935 when it was replaced by the Volunteer Combatant Cross.

There are numerous other versions of the Medal. The following variations in suspensions may be encountered: laurel leaf and ball suspension; ball suspension; small laurel suspension (“Charles” model). There is another version manufactured in America that resembles the official version, but which does not have the obverse stamping. There are many additional versions that vary in size or composition.

The reverse inscription translates to "French Republic, Great War 1914-1918."