History

The French Commemorative Medal was established on October 9, 1995. It was created by the initiative of the Minister of Defense François Léotard.

It is awarded to military personnel and civilians for participation in operations outside of France after March 1, 1991. The Ministry of Defense determines what operations are eligible for the Medal, and the service period requirements. Operations that are eligible for the Overseas Medal are not eligible for the French Commemorative Medal.

The Medal is worn with at least one ribbon clasp. The clasps are made of bronze and include “EX-YUGOSLAVIE” (Ex-Yugoslavia) (21.12.1995), “HAÏTI” (11.02.1997), “ALBANIE” (Albania)(12.09.1997), “TIMOR-ORIENTAL” (East Timor) (31.03.2000), “AFGHANISTAN” (18.07.2002), “ASIE DU SUD-EST” (South-East Asia) (07.06.2000), “GÉORGIE” (Georgia) (11.01.2011), “LIBYE” (Libya) (13.10.2011), “JORDANIE” (Jordan) (19.03.2013), “GUINÉE” (Guinea) (23.06.2015).

The obverse inscription translates to “French Republic,” and the reverse inscription translates to “French Commemorative Medal.”

There are two versions of the medal which differ in suspension. The first version has a fixed suspension, while the later version has a ball and ring suspension.