French Médaille de la Défense Nationale Bronze TRANSMISSIONS Clasp Signal Medal

Médaille de la Défense Nationale - Bronze grade, with "TRANSMISSIONS" clasp. French Army Signals/Communications corps service medal, instituted 21 April 1982 by Defence Minister Charles Hernu.

The 36mm bronze medallion bears La Marseillaise - Rude's winged figure from the Arc de Triomphe - on the obverse with "RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE" around the upper edge. The reverse shows a Phrygian cap over a laurel branch with "ARMÉE NATIONALE" above and "DÉFENSE NATIONALE" below. Suspended from a red moiré ribbon with a 12mm central ultramarine blue stripe, the defining ribbon of this decoration.

The bronze grade is the entry level of three (bronze, silver, gold), awarded for one year of qualifying service and 90 accumulated points. The silver-toned "TRANSMISSIONS" clasp denotes specialist qualifying service with the French Army Signals corps - the communications and electronic warfare branch. This clasp is commonly encountered; it was also sold separately and may be a period replacement rather than original to this specific medal.

Circa: 1982-present. This medal has been struck continuously since inception with no design changes. Without maker marks or issue documentation, individual dating is not possible. The style of ribbon mounting and clasp attachment are consistent with post-2000 production.

Condition: Used. The bronze disc retains clear relief detail on both faces. Some minor surface wear consistent with handling and age. The ribbon is clean with no fraying. The clasp is firmly attached. No dents, cracks, or repairs. Please review all four photos for condition detail.

Details:

• 36mm diameter circular bronze medallion
• Obverse: La Marseillaise, "RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE"
• Reverse: Phrygian cap and laurel, "ARMÉE NATIONALE / DÉFENSE NATIONALE"
• Ribbon: Red moiré, 12mm central blue stripe (no edge stripes = bronze grade)
• Clasp: "TRANSMISSIONS" (silver-toned)
• No edge stripes on ribbon confirms bronze grade, not silver or gold

An affordable example of a modern French military decoration. Common medal, but the Signals clasp gives it specialist interest for collectors of French military communications insignalia.

Packed carefully and dispatched same day from the UK.

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