The Médaille de la Défense nationale (National Defense Medal) is a French military decoration. It was created by Charles Hernu, Minister of Defense and established by the decree of April 21, 1982. It rewards particularly honorable service rendered to the military for their participation in operational activities. The medal has three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze.

For Service

The award is decided by the hierarchy, but the recipients must have a personal minimum:

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

The number of awards at gold and silver levels are set by a ministerial quota.

Exceptional Circumstances

The medal can be awarded in any one of three levels to:

• Military personnel on active or reserve and civilians killed or injured in the line of duty
• Active military or reserves which are distinguished by the quality of services rendered
• French civilians and foreign military or civilians who have rendered honorable services particularly to the defense of France.

When an individual is mentioned in despatches (citation dans les ordres) without being awarded the Croix de la Valeur militaire

Croix de la Valeur Militaire

The Croix de la Valeur Militaire is a military decoration of France that recognizes individual holding a mention in Dispatches earned in theaters of operations which are not subject to the award of the Croix de guerre....

, he or she is awarded the Médaille de la Défense nationale at the gold level, adorned with a clasp depending on the level of mention (bronze, silver or silver gilt star or palm).