National Order of Merit:

Established on December 3, 1963, by General de Gaulle, the National Order of Merit is the second national order after the Legion of Honor. Its purpose is to reward "distinguished merit" and modernize the French decoration system. 

OBVERSE

⁣⁢The obverse design features the blue enameled double six-pointed star, topped with a crown of oak and laurel leaves. At the center of the star is the profile of the Republic, recalling that this distinction honors distinguished merit acquired in the exercise of civil or military duties. A blue ribbon crosses the medal, recalling the distinctive color of this decoration. On the right is General de Gaulle, in uniform, who created the order in 1963. His presence highlights the historical significance and the reformist intent of the era.⁤⁣

REVERSE

At the center of the engraving, a shield topped with a closed royal crown, recalling the nation's historical roots. It features a heart adorned with the Gallic rooster, an emblem of French pride, surrounded by a scattering of fleur-de-lis that highlights the country's centuries-old heritage. Two laurel branches tied at their base, symbols of victory, peace, and glory, surround the shield. The republican motto Liberté Égalité Fraternité is inscribed in capital letters around the edge of the medal.