History

The Medal of French Gratitude was created on July 13, 1917 as an expression of the gratitude of the French Government towards those who had aided the sick, the wounded, orphans, and refugees during the First World War. The Medal was not awarded to military personnel; it was reserved exclusively for civilians who were under no obligation to perform such an act. The Medal was awarded again after the Second World War.

The Vichy Government also awarded this Medal from 1941-1945 to French nationals for acts of devotion, and to French military personnel for meritorious acts performed as a prisoner of war.

The Medal had three grades, but it is uncertain what distinguished these grades. The last Medal was awarded on February 14, 1959. Approximately 15000 Medals were awarded in total.

There are two versions of the Gold Medal which vary in engraving. Both versions have a reverse inscription that translates to “French Gratitude,” while the second version has an additional inscription which stands for “French Republic.”