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The Order of the Crown of Italy

The Order of the Crown of Italy was a national order founded in 1868 to commemorate the unification of Italy in 1861.

The Order of the Crown of Italy (or Ordine della Corona d’Italia) was founded as a national order in 1868 by King Vittorio Emanuele II, to commemorate the unification of Italy in 1861. It was awarded in five degrees for civilian and military merit.

Compared with the older Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (1572), the Order of the Crown of Italy was awarded more liberally and could be conferred on non-Catholics as well; eventually, it became a requirement for a person to have already received the Order of the Crown of Italy in at least the same degree before receiving the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus.

The order has been suppressed by law since the foundation of the Republic in 1946. However, Umberto II did not abdicate his position as fons honorum and it remained under his Grand Mastership as a dynastic order. While the continued use of those decorations conferred prior to 1951 is permitted in Italy, the crowns on the ribbons issued before 1946 must be substituted for as many five pointed stars on military uniforms.

The following grades exist:

  • Cavaliere di Gran Croce OCI Kingdom BAR.svg   Knight Grand Cross (Cavaliere di Gran Croce decorati del Grande Cordone)
  • Grande ufficiale OCI Kingdom BAR.svg   Grand Officer (Grande Ufficiale dell’Ordine della Corona d’Italia)
  • Commendatore OCI Kingdom BAR.svg   Commander (Commendatore dell’Ordine della Corona d’Italia)
  • Ufficiale OCI Kingdom BAR.svg   Officer (Ufficiale dell’Ordine della Corona d’Italia)
  • Cavaliere OCI BAR.svg   Knight (Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Corona d’Italia)

The Order of the Crown of Italy Design

The badge of the order was a gilt cross with curved edges, enameled in white, with the so-called Savoy knots between the arms of the cross.

The obverse central disc featured the Iron Crown of Lombardy (as appeared on the Austrian Order of the Iron Crown) on a blue enamel background. The reverse central disc had a black-enameled eagle bearing the Savoy cross on a golden background.

The star of the Grand Cross was an eight-pointed faceted silver star; the central disc featured the Iron Crown on a blue enameled background, surrounded by a white enamel ring bearing the inscription VICT. EMMAN. II REX ITALIAE MDCCCLXVI (Victor Emmanuel II, King of Italy, 1866). There was a black-enameled eagle bearing the Savoy cross above the star.

The star of the Grand Officer was an eight-pointed faceted silver star with ball tips at each point and with the obverse of the badge superimposed upon it.

The ribbon of the order was red-white-red.

The Order of Merit for Labor

The Order of Merit for Labor is a national order of chivalry for meritorious agriculture, industry and commerce acts.

The Order of Merit for Labour (or Ordine al Merito del Lavoro) was founded as a national order of chivalry in 1923 by King Vittorio Emanuele III of Italy and is awarded to those “who have been singularly meritorious” in agriculture, industry and commerce, crafts, lending and insurance.

It is a continuation of the earlier Ordine al Merito Agrario, Industriale e Commerciale founded in 1901. Members of the order may use the title Cavaliere del lavoro.

The origins of the order lie with King Umberto I who, in 1898, instituted “a decoration for agricultural and industrial merit and a medal of honour.” The first was the exclusive prerogative of large landowners and industrialists, the latter for their employees. This was replaced by the Chivalrous or Knightly Order of Agricultural, Industrial and Commercial Merit in 1901, which was intended by Vittorio Emanuele III to give greater dignity to the earlier award.

Awarded in the single degree of Knight, the order is open to all Italians, living at home and overseas. Every year, on 1 June, 25 new Knights of Labour are invested from a shortlist of 40 candidates. The related Star of Merit for Labour, established in 1923, confers the title of Maestro del Lavoro.

The order is bestowed by decree of the President of the Italian Republic, its head since 1952, on the recommendation of the Minister of Economic Development (successor to the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Craftsmanship). The badge bears the inscription Al merito del lavoro—1901; the V.E. monogram formerly at the centre of the Greek cross, now substituted for the national coat of arms.

The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic

The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Ordine al merito della Repubblica Italiana) was founded by the second President in 1951.

The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (or Ordine al merito della Repubblica Italiana) was founded as the senior order of knighthood by the second President of the Italian Republic, Luigi Einaudi in 1951.

The highest ranking honor of the Republic, it is awarded for “merit acquired by the nation” in the fields of literature, the arts, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities and for long and conspicuous service in civilian and military careers. The post-nominal letters for the order are OMRI.

Investiture takes place biannually on 2 June, the anniversary of the foundation of the Republic and on 27 December, the anniversary of the promulgation of the Italian Constitution. However, those awards on Presidential motu proprio, related to termination of service or granted to foreigners may be made at any time.

The order is bestowed by decree of the President of the Italian Republic, as head of the orders of knighthood, on the recommendation of the President of the Council of Ministers. Except in exceptional circumstances, no one can be awarded for the first time a rank higher than Knight. The minimum age requirement is normally 35.

The Order of Merit o the Italian Republic Design

The badge, modified in 2001, bears the inscription Al Merito della Repubblica encircling the national coat of arms on the obverse and the Latin Patriæ Unitati (the union of the country) and Civium Libertati (the liberty of the people) encircling the head of Italia Turrita on the reverse.

The five degrees with corresponding ribbons are as follows (with numbers to June 2013):

  • Knight Grand Cross with Colla
  • 1st Class / Knight Grand Cross
  • 2nd Class / Grand Officer
  • 3rd Class / Commander
  • 4th Class / Officer
  • 5th Class / Knight

The Order of Tahiti Nui

The Order of Saharan Merit (or Ordre du Mérite Saharien) was established in 1958 and rewards services for the development of Saharan regions.

The Order of Saharan Merit (or Ordre du Mérite Saharien) was established in 1958 as a reward for social, scientific, economic or administrative services rendered by French or foreign persons who participated in the development of Saharan regions.

The medal is fashioned in the form of the Agadez cross, a traditional emblem of the Tuareg clans inhabiting the area of the former Sultanate of Agadez in Agadez, Niger.

The order was deprecated by decree on 3 December 1963, and superseded by the Ordre National du Mérite. Extant members of the order are permitted to wear their original decorations.

The Order has three classes:

  • Commandeur (Commander)
  • Officier (Officer)
  • Chevalier (Knight)

The Order of Saharan Merit

The Order of Saharan Merit (Ordre du Mérite Saharien) was established in 1958 for social, scientific, economic or admin services in Sahara.

The Order of Saharan Merit (or Ordre du Mérite Saharien) was established in 1958 as a reward for social, scientific, economic or administrative services rendered by French or foreign persons who participated in the development of Saharan regions.

The medal is fashioned in the form of the Agadez cross, a traditional emblem of the Tuareg clans inhabiting the area of the former Sultanate of Agadez in Agadez, Niger.

The order was deprecated by decree on 3 December 1963, and superseded by the Ordre National du Mérite. Extant members of the order are permitted to wear their original decorations.

The Order has three classes:

  • Commandeur (Commander)
  • Officier (Officer)
  • Chevalier (Knight)

The Medal for Internal Security

The Medal for internal security (or Médaille de la sécurité intérieure) is a French civil and military medal established on 28 March 2012.

The Medal for internal security (or Médaille de la sécurité intérieure) is a French civil and military medal established by Decree No. 2012-424 of 28 March 2012.

The Medal for internal security is awarded to by the Ministry of the Interior without regard to rank or position and is typically awarded on 1 January and 14 July. However, award may be made at other times for exceptional circumstances. Approved missions may have taken place in France or abroad.

Nominations for award of the medal are reviewed by a committee of eight members representing the Minister of the Interior, General Directorate of Local Authorities, General Directorate of National Police, General Directorate of National Gendarmerie, General Directorate for Internal Security, General Directorate of Civil Security and Crisis Management, and the General Secretariat of Immigration and Integration.

The following individuals are eligible for the medal:

  • Personnel under the Ministry of the Interior
  • Civilian and military personnel, professional or voluntary, placed under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior
  • The Municipal Police officers
  • Volunteers working in associations for homeland security missions
  • Any person, French or foreign, who has distinguished himself or herself by an act relating to internal security.

The National Medal of Recognition for Victims of Terrorism

The National Recognition Medal for Victims of Terrorism is a national medal of France awarded to French victims of terrorism.

The National Recognition Medal for Victims of Terrorism (or Médaille nationale de reconnaissance aux victimes du terrorisme) is a national medal of France awarded to French victims of terrorism.

Established by presidential decree on July 12, 2016, it may be awarded to French or foreign nationals who are victims of terrorism in France or abroad. The medal may be awarded to a retroactive date of January 1, 2006.

The medal was created to give a proper recognition to the sacrifice of terrorism victims while still maintaining the award criterion of existing national honors such as the Legion of Honor.

The Military Health Service Honor Medal

The Military Health Service honour medal (or “Médaille d’honneur du service de santé des armées”) is a French decoration created 30 August 1962.

The medal recognizes individuals who have contributed or lent their support to the French Defence Health service and were particularly marked by their services or their dedication. It is presented in four different levels: gold, vermeil, silver, and bronze. It may be awarded to members of the military as well as civilians.

The four levels are awarded under the following conditions:

  • Bronze Medal for 10 years service;
  • Silver Medal for 15 years of service and the Bronze Medal
  • Vermeil Medal for 20 years of service and the Silver Medal;
  • Gold Medal which is awarded only in exceptional cases.

On the occasion of exceptional circumstances, especially during epidemic periods, nominations could be made for people that do not meet the length of service conditions.

The Medal for the War Wounded

The Medal for the War Wounded (Médaille des blessés de guerre) was a ribbon insignia awarded for wounds received in the line of duty.

The Medal for the War Wounded (or Médaille des blessés de guerre) was originally a mere insignia in the form of a ribbon awarded for wounds received in the line of duty while facing an enemy.

The insignia was established by the law of 11 December 1916, based on an idea by the nationalist writer Maurice Barrès. Although originally established as a temporary measure, the insignia survived for a century in some form or another. It could be awarded to wounded soldiers, prisoners of war, to World War II deportees and internees from the French resistance and to soldiers wounded in more recent conflicts.

A variety of unofficial medals in the form of a red enameled star suspended by the same ribbon appeared very early on and although tolerated for wear by the authorities, were not official until recently.

The Medal for the War Wounded can be worn by:

  • Military personnel suffering from a physical or mental war wound, ascertained by the army health service and approved by the Minister of Defence;
  • Prisoners of war, physically or psychologically wounded during their detention.

The Medal for the War Wounded Design

The Medal for the War Wounded is made of gilded bronze with a 30 mm diameter. It is mainly composed of a large bright red enameled five-pointed star atop a crown of half laurels (left) and half oak leaves (right).

The medal is suspended by a ring from a 35 mm wide silk moiré ribbon composed of vertical stripes in the following colors: white 1 mm – blue 5 mm – white 1 mm – blue 4 mm – white 1 mm – yellow 3 mm – white 1 mm – beginning ou the outer edge on both sides of a 3 mm wide central red stripe.

Small enamel red five pointed stars are added to the medal ribbon and undress ribbon for each additional wound.

The National Defense Medal

The National Defence Medal (or “Médaille de la Défense nationale”) is a French military decoration. It was created by Charles Hernu, Minister of Defence and established by decree on April 21, 1982.

It rewards particularly honorable service rendered by military personnel for their participation in operational activities. The medal has three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze.

The award is made by decision of the military hierarchy, but the recipients must have achieved a personal minimum of:

  • For the Bronze level: 1 year of service and accumulated 90 points;
  • For the Silver level: 5 years of service (minimum 2 years in the Bronze level) and accumulated 600 points;
  • For the Gold level: 10 years of service (minimum 2 years in the Silver grade) and accumulated 800 points.

The yearly quota of Gold and Silver level awards are set by the minister of defence. Points are earned through participation in exercises, operations, proficiency, initiative, awards received, etc. People who had been awarded the ordre de la Légion d’honneur or the ordre du mérite can not receive the Médaille for military service.

The National Defense Medal Design

The National Defence Medal is a 36 mm in diameter circular medal struck from bronze, the gold level is gilt, the silver award is silvered.

The obverse bears the relief image of Rude’s Marseillaise with the relief inscription along the upper circumference “FRENCH REPUBLIC” (RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE). The reverse bears the relief image of a Phrygian cap over a laurel branch and the inscription along the medal circumference in the upper half “ARMY” and “NATION”, in the lower half “NATIONAL DEFENSE” (“ARMÉE” “NATION” “DÉFENSE NATIONALE”), the upper and lower inscriptions being separated by a relief five-pointed star on each side.

The medal hangs from a ring through the medal’s suspension loop. The bronze grade award’s ribbon is a 36 mm wide red silk moiré ribbon with a 12 mm wide central blue stripe. The ribbon for the silver grade award is similar with the addition of 3 mm wide white edge stripes, the edge stripes are yellow for the gold grade award.