Légion d'honneur

Légion d'honneur, premier order of merit of France. The Légion is an institution open to all, and is awarded for acts of exceptional military bravery in wartime or for distinguished service to France in peacetime, in either military or civilian life, over a period of 20 years. Membership is for life and is based on merit and equality, being open to both men and women, French citizens and foreigners, and civilians and military personnel. Each of the Légion’s classes of distinction (in descending order: grand cross, grand officer, commander, officer, and chevalier or knight) is accessible to any member, regardless of his or her rank, nationality, or religion. When the award is for gallantry in military action, the Croix de Guerre, France’s highest military medal, is automatically awarded as well.

The insignia consists of a white enamel, five-sided, double-pointed star encircled by a green wreath of oak and laurel leaves. This is surmounted by a similar but smaller wreath. Other details have varied slightly since it was first awarded in 1804, reflecting changes in the political regime of the day. However, since 1870 the head of “Marianne”—the female figure frequently used to symbolize the French Republic—has been portrayed on the front of the medal, along with the inscription “République Française”, while tricolour flags are found on the back, with the words “Honneur et Patrie” (honour and country). The medal hangs from a star and red moiré ribbon.

The Grand Master of the Order is always the incumbent French president. He appoints the Grand Chancellor, one of the most prestigious positions in the French Republic, from the ranks of the Grand Crosses or Grand Officers, who becomes responsible for the running and administration of the order. The Légion’s headquarters are in Paris.

The order was created in 1802 by Napoleon I, who presented the medal in person on a number of occasions. The recipient originally gained not just the respect of his peers, but also schooling for his offspring, pensions, and access to a hospital run specifically for members. Those to have been honoured include artists such as John Singer Sargent and Édouard Manet, Crimean War nurse Mary Jane Seacole, mime artist Marcel Marceau, film director Jean Renoir, novelist Colette, singer-songwriter Charles Aznavour, and Irish politician John Hume. The flags of regiments, fire brigades, and cities that served or acted with distinction in times of war or disaster have likewise been recognized.