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 II Medals (Commemorative Levant Campaign Medal) were awarded by the Vichy Government for participation in operations in the Levant States from July 8, 1941 to August 14, 1943. The obverse inscription translates to "French Republic," and the reverse inscription translates to "Levant, Honour and Fatherland, Syria-Cilicia." Type II Medals were worn with a silver “LEVANT 1941” clasp. These Medals were prohibited after the Liberation of 1944.

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.