Saint Helena Medal

The Helena medal or Helena Saint Medal was a War Merit Medal for the French military of the land and naval forces and was built by Emperor Napoleon III. founded on 12 August 1857.

The occasion was the honoring of veterans from the time of the battles of 1792-1815. Even foreigners who had fought under the French flag, could be rewarded with the award.

The bronze medal is surrounded by a laurel wreath and surmounted by a crown. It shows the right -facing profile of Napoleon I. The rear of the multi-line inscription A SES COMPAGNONS DE GLOIRE SA DERNIERE PENSEE ST HELENE 5 MAI 1821 and peripherally CAMPAGNES DE 1792 A 1815.

The award was supported by a green band with three narrow red center stripe in the buttonhole or on the left chest.

At the outbreak of war in Italy spring 1859 many excellent German sent back the medal.