The Médaille de l'Aéronautique (Medal of Aeronautics) is an order of merit created on 14 February 1945.

History

Before the Second World War, it was envisioned to create an award similar to the Order of Maritime Merit, an Order of Merit, Air, intended for personal civil and military aeronautics. But the war put an end to this project. However, shortly before the end of World War II

World War II

World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...

, the decree of February 14, 1945, allowed the creation of the Médaille de l'Aéronautique. Awards are determined by a board comprising: the Defense Minister or his representative (Chairman); ministerial delegate for weapons or his representative; Chief of Staff of the Air Force or his representative; a member appointed by order of the Minister of Transport to represent his department; a representative of the airlines, appointed for two years by order of the Minister of Transport; an individual who has rendered exceptional services to aviation and appointed for two years by order of Minister of Defence.

Eligibility

The Médaille de l'Aéronautique is limited to no more than 275 per year, and is awarded twice annually on 1 January and 14 July. It is awarded for professional valor to both civilians and military pilots and non pilots serving under the Ministry of Defence (Air) and the Department of Transportation. It is awarded to citizens who have distinguished themselves in the development of military or civil aviation, sports aviation, airports and aircraft manufacturing plants. It can be awarded for prowess in air service, an act of heroism, is particularly unusual circumstances found in aviation. Finally, the medal is awarded for service during serious air related accidents.

Description of the Medal

The medal is in the form of a rectangular plate of gilt metal. On obverse is a profile of Marianne from the 1940s representing France, with the inscription "Honneur et Patrie". The pendant ring is formed of two horizontal wings that surround a star. The medal is suspended from a ribbon of royal blue.