French Pro-Patria/Préparation Militaire medal

The Pro-Patria / Préparation Militaire medal is a French military award from the early 20th century (the Third Republic). This medal was awarded for physical training and military preparation of young civilians before they fulfilled their actual military service.

Key features and design

• Designer: The medal was designed by Paul Victor Grandhomme (1851–1944), a well-known French medallist.
• Obverse: An allegorical female figure (Marianne/France) sits on a cannon and encourages a young soldier. She points to a battlefield in the distance. Text: "SI VIS PACEM PARA BELLVM" and "PRO-PATRIA".
• Reverse: Shows a reclining lion in front of a monument. Text: "PRIX DU MINISTRE DE LA GUERRE" (Prize of the Minister of War) and often the words "ENTRAINEMENT PHYSIQUE" (physical training) and "FORCE COURAGE" (strength courage).
• Specifications: Usually made of bronze, sometimes of silver, with a diameter of approximately 50 mm.

Background

The medal was instituted around 1911. In the years before the First World War, the French government considered it crucial that youth be physically fit and militarily trained. It was a sign of national readiness.

Diameter: 5 cm