History

The Medal of Honour for Aviation was created on January 12, 1921. It is awarded in recognition of long service or exceptional acts of courage and devotion by the Minister of Defense, or the Minister of Transportation.

From 1921-1978 the Medal was only awarded as a Silver Medal and a Gilt Medal, which were awarded for 30 and 36 years of service, respectively. Since 1978, the Medal has been awarded in four grades. The Bronze Medal is awarded for 25 years of service, the Silver Medal for 30 years of service, the Gilt Medal for 35 years of service, and the Gold Medal for 40 years of service. The Medal has always been worn with a wing clasp inscribed “A.”

The Medal is classified into Types. Type I includes the first two grades, while Type II includes the later four grades.

In Type II, there are three versions of the Silver Medal which differ in engraving, size, and inscription. The first and second versions have an obverse inscription that translates to “French Republic, Aeronautics,” and a reverse inscription that translates to “Labour, Honour, Devotion.” The third version has an obverse inscription that translates to “French Republic,” and a reverse inscription that translates to “Honour, Labour, Devotion, Ministry of Defense.”

There may be additional versions that vary in size or composition.