397 Original French LEGION OF HONOR Medal Sterling Silver Award Grand Officer Breast Insignia Badge

The Legion of Honour was instituted by Napoleon Bonaparte on 19 May 1802 to recognize meritorious service to France by military members and civilians regardless of rank. This was a departure from honours being conferred only on members of the nobility. The Legion of Honour is awarded for 20 years of achievement in peacetime and for extraordinary bravery or service during wartime. A recipient of the Legion of Honour under war services was also awarded the Croix de Guerre. Canadians have been awarded the Legion of Honour as recognition by France for their contributions to the civil ideals or military efforts of France. There are five classes of the Legion of Honour which are Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Knight.