page_title: National Defence Medal
section_title: Clasps
hierarchical_section_title: National Defence Medal / Award description / Clasps
context_page_description: The National Defence Medal is a French military decoration. It was created by Charles Hernu, Minister of Defence and established by decree on April 21, 1982. It rewards particularly honourable service rendered by military personnel for their participation in operational activities. The medal has three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze.
context_section_description: Multiple specialty and geographical clasps are allowed for wear on the ribbon, each grade being allowed a single clasp up to a maximum of three
  Geographical clasps:
  Corps européen (European Corps)
  Force océanique stratégique (Strategic oceanic forces)
  Missions d'opérations extérieures (Foreign operational missions)
  Missions d'opérations intérieures (Domestic operational missions)
  Mururoa-Hao
  Terres australes et antarctiques (Southern and Antarctic lands)
  Forces françaises stationnées en Allemagne (French forces in Germany)
  Missions d'assistance extérieure (Foreign assistance missions)
  Postes Interarmées (Interservices postal service)
  Speciality clasps:
  Infanterie (Infantry)
  Troupes de marine (Army Marines)
  Arme blindée et cavalerie (Cavalry)
  Artillerie (Artillery)
  Train (Transportation)
  Génie (Engineering)
  Transmissions (Communications)
  Matériel (Maintenance)
  Commissariat de l'armée de terre (Quartermaster service)
  Troupes de montagne (Mountain troops)
  Troupes aéroportées (Airborne troops)
  Aviation légère (Light aviation)
  Sapeurs-pompiers (Firefighters)
  Sécurité civile (Civil defence)
  Légion étrangère (Foreign Legion)
  Bâtiments de combat (Warships)
  Sous-marins (Submarines)
  Aéronautique navale (Naval aviation)
  Fusiliers marins (Naval infantry)
  Nageurs de combat (Combat divers)
  Plongeurs démineurs (Clearance divers)
  Marins pompiers (Naval firefighters)
  Force aérienne de combat (Combat air forces)
  Force aérienne stratégique (Strategic air force)
  Force aérienne de projection (Air expeditionary force)
  Commandement air des systèmes de surveillance, d'information et de communication (Air force surveillance, information and communication systems command)
  Défense aérienne (Air defence)
  Fusiliers commandos de l'air (Air force commandos)
  Génie de l'air (Air Force engineering)
  Commandement des écoles de l'armée de l'air (Air force training command)
  Armement (Weapons)
  Service de santé (Medical service)
  Services des essences (POL service)
  Gendarmerie nationale (National gendarmerie)
  Armée de terre (Army)
  Marine nationale (Navy)
  Armée de l'air (Air force)
  Justice militaire (JAG)
caption: Admiral Édouard Guillaud, a recipient of the Bronze grade of the National Defense Medal
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