History

The Tonkin Expedition Medal was established on September 6, 1885. Approximately 97 300 Medals were awarded.

It was conferred upon soldiers and sailors who participated in the Expedition from 1883-1885. Two years after its creation, the Medal was extended to soldiers and sailors who took part in campaigns in Tonkin, Annam, Cambodia, Upper Mekong, and Siam from 1885-1893.

There are two versions of the Medal which differ in inscription. Both versions have an obverse inscription that translates to “French Republic, Fatherland,” and a reverse inscription that translates to “Tonkin, China, Annam,” followed by a list of battles. The list of battles differs for the version awarded to Army units by the omission of “CAU-GIAI.”