France Ordre National du Mérite (Order of National Merit)

[André G.]

Hello

The Order of National Merit was created in 1963 by the general De Gaulle to replace the differents merit national orders existing (Order Nationale du Mérite Militaire, Ordre National du Mérite Agricole ... etc. ).

The goal was give more value to the Légion d'Honneur in creating an intermediate order,

here is an Order of National Merit Knight's class (it is the medal of my father):

bye :lol:

Edited August 21, 2010 by André G.

[TacHel]

Very nice. Congrats to your father BTW.

Below is the one from my collection, quite the difference in enamel tone from maker to maker.

[TacHel]

The enamel from my officer's badge looks closer, but the detailing on your father's award seems much nicer! Is it an older piece?

Edited August 22, 2010 by TacHel

[André G.]

Is it an older piece?

He was awarded in the 90s (I don't remember exactly of the year . I didn't know there are variations for this award, the dark blue enamel is very nice

A picture of an french officer (here, my father) with this decoration,

Sometimes, the Ordre du Mérite National is nicknamed by the army's officers Ordre du Mérite Agricole because this award is often give without regard on the quality of the service of the officer, just for long service (exactly as the Légion d'Honneur for the high ranked officer), it is a few different for the soldat and the NCO's because the attribution is not automatic. It is not considered as a prestigious medal. For an part of the soliders, only the Médaille Militaire and the Croix de Guerre are well considered.