History

The Commemorative Medal for Syria-Cilicia was created on July 18, 1922. French forces were stationed in the region following World War I when the French Mandate of Syria and Lebanon was carved out from the Ottoman Empire.

The Medal is classified into three types according to the time period in which it was awarded. Type I Medals, awarded from 1922-1941. Type II Medals, awarded from 1941-1944 by the Vichy Government. Type III Medals, awarded from 1941-1944, by Free French Forces.

Type I Medals were awarded to French soldiers, sailors and civil servants for service in Syria-Cilicia from November 11, 1918 to October 20, 1921, and then again from July 21, 1925 to September 30, 1926. The obverse inscription translates to "French Republic," and the reverse inscription translates to "Levant, Honour and Fatherland, Syria-Cilicia." These Medals may be worn with the following claps: a bronze “LEVANT” clasp for participation in operations from November 11, 1918 to October 20, 1921, and a silver gilt “LEVANT 1925-1926” clasp for participation in operations from July 21, 1925 to September 30, 1926.

There are numerous versions of the clasps, and the following variables may be encountered: shape; inscription; composition; manufacturer. In addition the following variables may be encountered on different versions of the medal: composition; manufacturer; size.