History

The Hygiene Medal was created on January 13, 1912, but was later replaced by the Order of Public Health in 1938. At the time of its creation it was called the “Medal of Honour for Public Hygiene,” although in texts it is almost exclusively referred to as the Hygiene Medal.

It was awarded to volunteers as well as to personnel of hospitals, hospices, and pharmacies for long service. It served as a complement to the Medal of Honour for Epidemics, which was only awarded under particular circumstances.

The Medal had three grades. The Bronze Medal and Silver Medal were awarded for 10 years of service, and the Gold Medal was awarded to recipients of the Bronze or Silver Medal for 15 years of service.

The obverse inscription translates to “French Republic,” and the reverse inscription translates to “Medal of Honour for Hygiene, Ministry of Labour, of Hygiene, of Welfare and Social Providence.”