History

The Order of Military Merit was created on March 27, 1957. It replaced the Cross for Voluntary Military Service. The Order was later replaced by the National Order of Merit on December 3, 1962.

The Order was conferred upon those who served in the Military Reserves and those who served as instructors in the Reserves. Recipients of the first, second, and third classes of the Cross for Voluntary Military Service were admitted to the Order as Commanders, Officers, and Knights, respectively.

The obverse inscription translates to “French Republic,” and the reverse inscription translates to “Military Merit.”

There may be additional versions which vary in size, composition or manufacturer.

The Order is listed in the Fourth Republic and the Fifth Republic.