Aeronautical Medal

Aeronautical Medal
Aeronautical Medal (Obverse)
TypeOrder of Merit
Awarded forAccomplishments in aeronautics
Presented by France
Established14 February 1945; 79 years ago (1945-02-14)
Ribbon of the Aeronautical Medal
Precedence
Next (higher)Cross of the resistance volunteer combatant
Next (lower)Combatant's Cross
Reverse of the Médaille de l'Aéronautique
French air force general Stéphane Abrial, a recipient of the Aeronautical Medal
Free French Officer and OSS Agent René Joyeuse, a recipient of the Aeronautical Medal

The Aeronautical Medal (French: "Médaille de l'Aéronautique") is a state decoration of France established by the decree of February 14, 1945. It is awarded to both military personnel and civilians for outstanding accomplishments related to the field of aeronautics. Originally envisioned before the Second World War, it was intended as an equal to the Order of Maritime Merit. The intent was to create an aerial order of merit intended for civilian and military personnel working in aeronautics. The war temporarily put an end to the project until February 1945.[1]

  1. ^ Battini, Jean; Zaniewicki, Witold (2003). Guide pratique des décorations françaises actuelles. Paris: LAVAUZELLE. pp. 99–102. ISBN 2-7025-1030-2.