History

The Medal for Defending the City of Puebla (Medalla por la Defensa de la Ciudad de Puebla) was authorized by the Mexican government in 1862, in recognition of the Officers and men who defended the city of Puebla from an invading French army on May 5, 1862.

The composition of the Medal denotes the rank of the recipient; the Gold Medal was awarded to Chiefs; the Silver Medal to Officers; and, the Bronze Medal to enlisted men.

The Medal features an obverse inscription that can be translated to "The Mexican Republic to its Brave Sons," and a reverse inscription that can be translated to "Defending the City of Puebla, Helping to the Glorious Triumph Achieved at Puebla against French Army on 5th May, 1862."

The Gold Medal was authorized with different characteristics depending on the rank of the recipient.

The Gold Medal is stamped "NAVALON".