The Medaille de Reconnaissance de la Nation (Recognition Medal of the Nation) is a French honor medal created 12 April 2002 awarded to both the military and civilians.

Eligibility

The conditions to be award by the Recognition Title of the Nation were fixed by the law No. 93-7 of 4 January 1993. Must now meet the following conditions:

• People who, as military and for at least 90 days, consecutive or not, served in a formation of the French army or were removed in a foreign army during the periods and theaters of operations determined by the law ;

• French citizen civilians who were involved in these conflicts, operations or missions following the rules set by the Minister of Defence.

The Recognition Title of the Nation is also provided automatically to the veterants and the combatant evacuees for injuries or diseases.

The list of theaters of operations determined by the laws of eligibility for the Recognition Title of the Nation are:

• The First World War;
• The operations between 1918 and 1939;
• The Second World War;
• The war in Indochina;
• The military operations in Indochina between August 11, 1954 and October 1, 1957;
• The fighting in Tunisia between January 1, 1952 July 2, 1962;
• The fighting in Morocco between June 1, 1953 July 2, 1962;
• The war in Algeria between October 31, 1954 and July 2, 1962;
• Military operations on the territory of Algeria between July 3, 1962 and July 1, 1964;
• Armed conflicts and operations and missions conducted in accordance with international obligations and commitments of France since 1945. The list is given by the amended order of January 12, 1994.

Description of the Medal

Ribbon: Sand herringbone that includes three indigo blue chevrons 2mm in width.

Medal: Round 34 mm, gilt bronze, on the obverse the is an effigy of the Republic, surrounded by the words "République française". On the reverse, the inscription "Medal Médaille de reconnaissance de la Nation" on top of a bunch of oak leaves;

Clasps: The medal may be awarded with up to five clasps that are placed on the ribbon: 1914-1918, 1939–1945, INDOCHINE, AFRIQUE DU NORD, or OPERATIONS EXTERIEURES.