History

The Medal for North Africa was created on April 29, 1997 by the President of the Republic Jacques Chirac. It was first suggested as an award by Pierre Pasquini, the Minister of Veterans and Victims of War.

The Medal was awarded to those with the “Title of the Nation’s Gratitude.” This title had been the only recognition for civilians and military personnel who had served in operations in North Africa between 1952 and 1962.

This Medal was short-lived, as it was replaced five years later by the more inclusive Medal of the Nation’s Gratitude.

The obverse inscription translates to “French Republic,” and the reverse inscription translates to “Medal of the Nation’s Gratitude.”