Instituted 13th July 1917
The medal was created to show recognition by the French government to all those who,"without legal or military obligation, had come to the aid of the injured, disabled, refugees, or who had performed an act of exceptional dedication in the presence of the enemy" during the First World War.
It has three classes: bronze, silver, and gold.
Nearly 15,000 people and communities were recipients of this award.
The medal was discontinued as of 14 February 1959
