Order of Merit, II Class, Type I (1922- c.1945)
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.LBN.0101.106.01.000
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A circular medal constructed of silver, the obverse bears the image of a lion roaring at a man in traditional Lebanese attire with his arms outstretched, with the image of a village and a tree in the background, the top bears laurel leaves, the reverse top bears both Arabic and French inscriptions reading HONOUR AND DEVOTION and STATE OF GREAT LEBANON, measuring 30mm in diameter, with ball and ring suspension, on a blue, white and red striped ribbon with a green and brown embroidered cedar tree on the center white stripe.
The Order of Merit was initially established by French Government Mandate on January 22, 1922, but was retained and modified following Lebanon's Independence by the Code of Decorations Decree on June 12, 1959. The Order is conferred in 4 Classes, plus an Extraordinary and Grand Cordon Class, in recognition of outstanding service to the Lebanese government, exemplary acts of courage of high moral value, or for devotion to duty to the state. Long-standing public establishments and foreigners may also be eligible for the award.
The II Class Decoration is awarded to Officers who have served for a minimum of 25 years of active service. The Decoration features a set of palm leaves superimposed on the top of the Medal below the suspension.
The obverse features the word "Lebanon" in Arabic.
There are 2 versions of the II Class Decoration which vary by inscription. Early versions feature both a French and Arabic inscription on the reverse which translates to "State of Greater Lebanon Honour and Devotion." Decorations issued post-Independence feature only an Arabic inscription on the reverse which translates to "Chivalry and Honour, the State of Greater Lebanon."
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