The Medal for the War Wounded (French: Médaille des blessés de guerre) was originally a mere insignia in the form of an ribbon awarded for wounds received in the line of duty while facing an enemy.

The insignia was established by the law of 11 December 1916,[2] based on an idea by the nationalist writer Maurice Barrès.

[3] A variety of unofficial medals in the form of a red enamelled star suspended by the same ribbon appeared very early on and although tolerated for wear by the authorities, were not official until recently.

A provisional instruction of 14 April 2015[4] from the French Army High Command began the proceedings which were later ratified in the official decree n° 2016-1130 of 17 August 2016 making the Medal for the War Wounded a state decoration of the French Republic.

[5][6] The Medal for the War Wounded is made of gilded bronze with a 30 mm diameter.