| Medal of French Gratitude | |
|---|---|
 Bronze level, type 2 (obverse) | |
| Type | Three grade medal |
| Awarded for | Support to the victims of war |
| Presented by |  France |
| Status | No longer awarded |
| Established | 13 July 1917 |
| Total recipients | ~15,000 |
 Gold
 Bronze | |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Combatant's Cross |
| Next (lower) | Overseas Medal |
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The Medal of French Gratitude (French: "Médaille de la Reconnaissance française") was a French honour medal created on 13 July 1917 and solely awarded to civilians.[1] The medal was created to express gratitude 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. The creation of this distinction was mainly the result of unsuccessful offensives of General Nivelle in 1917 and the serious crisis of confidence in France. The French government thus wanted to thank those who, despite the crisis, were always volunteering. It has three classes: bronze, silver, and gold. Nearly 15,000 people and communities were recipients of this award. The medal is no longer awarded, the last award was on 14 February 1959.[2]
- ^ Champenois, Marc (January 2004). "Médaille de la Reconnaissance française". France Phaleristique (in French). Archived from the original on 2010-08-15. Retrieved 2010-12-06.
- ^ "Décorations". Comité d'Entente d'Associations de Combattants de l' Hérault (in French). 2005. Archived from the original on 2011-07-10. Retrieved 2010-12-06.