Lègion d´Honneur: various levels?

[Volker_Nemsch]

Looking through the informations about Georges Guynemer I found some additions to the above mentioned medal: CHEVALIER and OFFICIER (knight and officer?).

Can this be compared with (for example) the different additional levels of the German WW2 medal `RITTERKREUZ´?

Ritterkreuz + Eichenlaub + Schwerter + Brillianten + Gold

knight cross + oak leaves + swords + diamonds + gold (correct translation?)

How were the names of the different levels of the highest/most important French medal or has it another background?

Thanks in advance!
Volker Nemsch

[Graeme]

The Légion d’Honneur was instituted on 19 May 1802 by the then First Consul, Napoleon Bonaparte, in 4 classes. In 1805 a fifth, and highest class, was added.

The original cross was a white-enamelled gold badge, with five rays with double points. Between the arms of the cross appeared a green enamel wreath of oak and laurel, while in the centre of the obverse, on a silver gilt ground, was the effigy of Napoleon, surrounded by a riband of blue enamel, with the inscription ‘NAPOLÉON, EMP. DES FRANÇAIS’ in gold lettering. The reverse was similar but bore the Imperial eagle in the centre, with the words ‘HONNEUR ET PATRIE’ on the blue riband; the badge after 1806 was surmounted by an Imperial Crown for suspension. The present badge is much the same, but has on the obverse the female head symbolic of the Republic, surrounded by the blue riband bearing the words ‘RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE.’ (The date ‘1870’ was recently removed.) The reverse has two crossed tricolor flags with the wording ‘HONNEUR ET PATRIE.’ A green enamel wreath is provided for suspension in place of the crown. The Order is divided into five grades and denoted as follows:

Grand Croix - Gold badge worn at left hip on broad scarlet sash from right shoulder to left hip; star on the left breast.

Grand Officer - Gold badge worn on left breast; star on right breast.

Commandeur - Gold badge worn at neck on scarlet ribbon.

Officer - Gold badge worn on left breast, suspended from scarlet ribbon with rosette.

Chevalier - Silver badge worn on left breast, scarlet ribbon.

The Legion of Honour is the premier order of the French Republic and is only conferred for gallantry in action or for twenty years’ distinguished military or civilian service in peace. The Order can be bestowed upon foreigners. When given for war services it carries with it the automatic award of the Croix de Guerre with palm.

Graeme

Graeme,
I have a photo album of 16 pictures taken together at the awarding of the Legion d'Honneur to two french air service pilots. An oil painting on the cover depicts a french-built two seater and a Legion d'Honneur sitting on a red ribbon and the date '8 Mai 1918.' I am trying to discover who the pilots are. Is there a list of to whom the Legion d'Honneur was awarded and on what date ?

To correct you a little there are in fact 3 grades (chevalier officer and commander) and two distinction (grand officer and grand croix) the main difference is for the grade you have to be chevalier before officer and officier before commander for the distinction you can receive it without having recived previous medal (I am under the impression that in ww2 Ike was made Grand croix dirrectly)

For imformation about the legion d'honneur recipient you might try
Grande Chancellerie de la Légion d'Honneur
1 rue solferino 75007
tel + 44 (0) 1 40 62 84 00
I can not find a web page for them.

Recently (1998 or 1999 I believe) all surviving Australian WW1 veterans were presented the Lègion d´Honneur by France. I recall seeing a number of news stories on the subject.

Was this just our veterans or were all WW1 veterans from the Commonwealth, USA and France so honoured?

BTW what level were they given?

It was all the remaning veteran that did not have it allready that have been made knight, I have eard of a french one that was allready knight that have been made officer.

By the way did you know that the croix de guerre have been awarded postumously to all the french soldier that have died during ww1 (considering that giving its life was the ultimat sacrifice and I will agree with that)

Yes, it is true that the France government will now aware the Legion d'Honneur medal to ALL living combat veterans from any foreign nation that fought with France during the World War 1.

The correct telephone number for The Grande Chancellerie de la Legion d'Honneur is: 33 1 40 62 84 25

Cliff Presley

[Graeme]

Charles

I’ve compiled a database of the recipients listed in the London Gazette, so it is useful only as far as awards to RFC etc aircrew are concerned.

Gregoire

Thank you for your correction – I had tried hurriedly to translate some notes written in French and should have checked before posting my reply.

Graeme