The Ordre National du Mérite (in English: The National Order of Merit) is an Order of Chivalry awarded by the President of France. It was founded on December 3, 1963 by President Charles de Gaulle. The reason of the Order's establishment was twofold: to replace the large number of ministerial Orders previously awarded by the ministries; and to create an award that can be awarded more liberally than the prestigeous Légion d'honneur.

The Order can be awarded to French nationals, men and women, for distinguished civil and military achievements, though of a lesser level than that required for the conferrment of the Légion d'honneur. Foreigners are not admitted into the Order as such, but may receive the insignia of the Order as a mark of respect. The President of France is the Grand Master of the Order and appoints all other members of the Order--by convention, on the advice of the Government. The Order has a common Chancellor and Chancery with the Légion d'honneur.

Insignia

The Order has five classes, the same as the Légion d'honneur: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Chevalier. The badge and the plaque were designed by the french sculptor Max Léognany .

• The badge of the Order is a six-armed 'Maltese Asterisk' (for want of a better description - see Maltese Cross) in gilt (silver for chevalier) enamelled blue, with laurel leaves between the arms. The obverse central medallion is a personification of the French Republic with the legend République Française. The reverse central medallion is a set of crossed tricolores with the name of the Order and its foundation date. The badge is suspended by a laurel wreath.

• The ribbon for the badge is plain blue; it is worn as a sash on the right shoulder for Grand Cross, around the neck for Commander, on the left chest with rosette for Grand Officer and Officer, and on the left chest without rosette for Chevalier.

• The star (or 'plaque') is worn by Grand Cross (in gilt on the left chest) and Grand Officer (in silver on the right chest) respectively; its design has changed over the years.

See also

• Order (decoration)
• State decoration

External link

• Chancery of the Legion of Honour