National Order of Merit (France)

The Ordre national du Mérite ( National Order of Merit German ) is the National Order of Merit of France. He was endowed on 3 December 1963 the French President Charles de Gaulle and is awarded for outstanding contributions in the public, commercial, military or in the private sector. The award may at any French nationals, are awarded in exceptional cases also to foreigners. The respective French President is Grand Master of the Order and appoints new members. He is also self-awarded after six months tenure with the Grand Cross.

With the introduction of this infra from Legion d'Honneur, the Ordre de la Libération and military medal, fourth-highest French Order a number of pre-existing ministerial orders were abolished.

Classes

The order consists of five classes:

• Grand -Croix
• Grand Officier
• Commandeur
• Officier
• Chevalier

Order decoration

The religious character was designed by French sculptor Max Leognany and is one of a Maltese cross derived six-pointed gilt and blue enamelled star. In the gilded medallion flipped to the left of the head with the inscription REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE Française.

Only the Chevalier Cross is silver plated. The link with the band represents a laurel wreath

Carrying method

The Grand Cross is worn with a sash from the right shoulder to the left hip, and with a gilded chest star on the left. On special occasions, this class can also be worn on a Collar of. Grand Officers put a silver breast star on the right and help the religious character at the band on the left chest. The Commander's Cross is around the neck, Officer and Knight's Cross, worn on the ribbon on the left chest. The officer also a rosette ribbon is attached.

The ribbon is blue.

With the introduction of the National Order of Merit abolished Ministerial Order

• Ordre du Mérite social (since 1936)
• Ordre de la Santé Publique (since 1938)
• Ordre du Mérite commercial et industriel (since 1939)
• Ordre du Mérite artisanal (since 1948)
• Ordre du Mérite Touristique (since 1949 )
• Ordre du Mérite combattant (since 1953)
• Ordre du Mérite postal (since 1953)
• Ordre de l' Économie national (since 1954)
• Ordre du Mérite sportif (since 1956)
• Ordre du Mérite du Travail (since 1957)
• Ordre du Mérite militaire (since 1957)
• Ordre du Mérite Civil (since 1957)
• Ordre du Mérite saharien (since 1958)

Bearers

• Category: Carrier of the French National Order of Merit