French ministerial order, awarded from 1953 to 1963
The Ordre du Mérite combattant (Order of Merit for Veterans) was a ministerial order of merit of France created on 14 September 1953 to reward individuals who distinguished themselves by their service and dedication in the management of the moral and material interests of veterans and war victims. These individuals' applicable service could be working in the Ministry of Veterans and War Victims or for organizations and associations who work for veterans. The order was administered and awarded the Ministry of Veterans and War Victims.
The Order was deprecated by decree on 3 December 1963, and superseded by the Ordre national du Mérite. Extant members may continue to display and wear their decorations.
Classes.
The Order has three classes:
Appearance.
The cross of the "Ordre du Mérite combattant" is a five armed cross. At the center of the cross is a ten-pointed star. The five longest points of the star are enameled in green. The five shorter arms of the star point in between the arms of the cross. In the center of the star is Marianne surrounded by the words "RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE" and "MÉRITE COMBATTANT". On the reverse of the cross are two clasped hands in front of a sword. Around the edge are the words "HONNEUR" and "DÉVOUEMENT".
The cross for knights is silver and in diameter and worn suspended from the chest. For officers, the cross is the same size but is silver-gilt and the suspension ribbon bears a rosette. For commanders the star is also gilt but in diameter and worn suspended from the neck.
The ribbon of the order is in diameter wide in green with wide diagonal yellow rays spaced apart.
References.
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