(Croix d'Honneur de l'Œuvre Humanitaire). 1954-present Issue. Following the Légion d'Honneur design, an enameled white ball-tipped five-armed cross with cleft ends in bronze gilt, presenting cluster of three gilded leaves in each quadrant, surmounted by a gilded laurel wreath with surmounted ring suspension, obverse centre featuring an engraved Marianna’s portrait facing right, encircled by an enameled blue border inscribed ŒUVRE HUMANITAIRE (Humanitarian Works), with plain reverse, measuring 42.22 mm (w) x 62.59 mm (h - inclusive laurel wreath), light contact and minor toned bronze, accompanied by original Officer's ribbon with rosette, very fine condition.
Footnote: The Union Philanthropique des Oeuvres Françaises was founded in Paris in 1937 to encourage charitable works. In 1954 the Union merged with Oeuvre Humanitaire, founded in Toulouse in 1920, and subsequent awards have been made by the Comité de Récompense de l'Oeuvre Humanitaire et du Mérite Philanthropique for voluntary humanitarian, social and philanthropic achievement.