| Military Health Service honour medal | |
| Type: | Medal with four classes |
| Eligibility: | Military |
| Awarded For: | Support to the Health Service of the Armed Forces |
| Firstawarded: | 30 August 1962 |
| Higher: | Medal for voluntary military service |
| Lower: | Commemorative medal for voluntary service in Free France |
The Military Health Service honour medal (French: "Médaille d'honneur du service de santé des armées") is a French decoration created 30 August 1962.[1] The medal recognizes individuals who have contributed or lent their support to the French Defence Health service and were particularly marked by their services or their dedication. It is presented in four different levels: gold, vermeil, silver, and bronze. It may be awarded to members of the military as well as civilians.
The Military Health Service honour medal replaces six obsolete awards:[2]
The decree of 28 June 1979 allows the award of this distinction posthumously.[3]
The four levels are awarded under the following conditions:[2]
On the occasion of exceptional circumstances, especially during epidemic periods, nominations could be made for people that do not meet the length of service conditions. No person may be proposed for the grant of a medal if he is already the holder of that of the lower level. However, members of the Order of the Legion of Honor may be directly awarded the silver or vermeil grades. The recipient receives a certificate noting that it has been awarded for services rendered or the dedication he has shown. The Médaille d'honneur du service de santé des armées is awarded, except in exceptional cases, twice a year, on 1 January and 14 July. Applications and proposals to the central management of the health service of the Armed Forces, for transmission to the office of Minister of Defense, Office of Decorations.[2]