Centennial of the Military Medal

The military milestone commemorated in the definitive issue the Centenary of the French Military Medal (Médaille Militaire), tracing the decoration's historical timeline from 1852–1952. First instituted by Prince-President Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte in 1852, this prestigious distinction honors exceptional acts of courage and field leadership among non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel. Issued across the French Union, this centenary stamp recognizes the structural contributions and combat history of the colonial regiments—including the native infantry divisions and maritime guards stationed within French Somaliland—who served under the emblem of "Valeur et Discipline" across various theatres of operation.