History

The Medal of Honour for Mutual Aid Socities was created by the decree of March 26, 1852 and was later replaced by the Order of Social Merit in 1936. It was awarded by a council of Society members to its most deserving and dedicated members.

The Medal is classified into Types. Type I includes the Medals awarded in France. Type II includes the Medals awarded in Algeria.

In Type I, the Medal had five grades. The lowest grade was a Diploma of Honourable Service which was awarded after three years of service. The Bronze Medal was awarded for two years of service after receiving the Diploma, the Silver Medal was awarded for three years of service after receiving the Bronze Medal, the Gold Medal was awarded for four years of service after receiving the Silver Medal, and the Cross, rarely conferred, was awarded for ten years of service after receiving the Gold Medal.

The following variables may be encountered on this Medal: size; composition.