France. A Medal of French Gratitude, Gold Grade, Type I by Jules Desbois

"In silver gilt, dual cornucopia hallmarked, marked ""1"" and ""ARGENT"" (silver) on the edge, engraver marked ""J. Desbois"" (Jules Desbois) on the obverse, 31.3 mm (w) x 36.5 mm (h), large rosette on its original ribbon, scattered gilt wear, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Medal of French Gratitude was a French honour medal created on July 13, 1917 and solely awarded to civilians. The medal was created to express gratitude by the French government to all those who, without legal or military obligation, had come to the aid of the injured, disabled, refugees, or who had performed an act of exceptional dedication in the presence of the enemy during the First World War. The creation of this distinction was mainly the result of unsuccessful offensives of General Nivelle in 1917 and the serious crisis of confidence in France. The French government thus wanted to thank those who, despite the crisis, were always volunteering. It was awarded following the First World War to: Persons who, in the presence of the enemy, have performed acts of exceptional dedication, the duration of these services having spanned one year (Decree of December 2, 1917); Deserving communities (whose members were are not allowed to wear the ribbon or individual medal by decree of December 2, 1917); Citizens of Alsace and Lorraine who were deported, exiled or imprisoned, before August 1, 1914, by German authorities because of their attachment to France and those in the departments occupied themselves, for their courageous stand while exposed to reprisals (Decree of 1 April 1922); and Prisoners of war, civilian prisoners, hostages and deportees because of exceptional acts courage and dedication for the allied cause. The inhabitants of occupied areas or Alsace and Lorraine who helped these people (decrees of 29 November 1926 and December 8, 1928). It came in three grades: Gold, Silver and Bronze; in two versions: Type I by Jules Desbois and Type II by Maurice Delannoy. Nearly 15,000 people and communities were recipients of this award. The medal is no longer awarded, the last award issued on February 14, 1959."

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.