algerian war

1852Which French military decoration is called the "medal of the brave" or "the jewel of the armies"?

The Military Medal (Médaille Militaire), established by Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte in Paris on 22 January 1852, is France’s highest military honor for non-commissioned officers and soldiers, known as “the medal of the brave” or “the jewel of the armies.” Renowned for recognizing courage and devotion, it has been awarded to more than a million individuals, including 950,000 during the First World War—most posthumously. A striking detail is the monument at the Hôtel national des Invalides, inaugurated in 1925, which features a tribute “A LA GLOIRE DES MÉDAILLÉS MILITAIRES MORTS AU CHAMP D’HONNEUR” and continues to be the site of annual remembrance ceremonies, most recently illuminated in 2017 to keep their legacy shining for future generations.

2019What is the first monument erected in honour of French soldiers who died while serving in external operations?

The city of Theix-Noyalo in Morbihan, Brittany, is home to the first monument in France dedicated to French soldiers who died during external operations (OPEX) since 1963. This landmark, inaugurated on 9 March 2019, offers a moving tribute to nearly 700 fallen service members by featuring a black marble stele inscribed "AUX SOLDATS FRANÇAIS MORTS POUR LA FRANCE EN OPÉRATIONS EXTÉRIEURES" beneath a stylized planisphere. Uniquely, the monument was financed solely by the Association nationale des Titulaires du Titre de Reconnaissance de la Nation (ANT-TRN) at a cost of €23,000 and stands near the town's memorials for the world wars. Its unveiling predates the national monument in Paris, making Theix-Noyalo the first city in France to honor OPEX soldiers with a dedicated monument on municipal grounds.