Created by Act of June 23, 1920, it was awarded to any military member for service between 2 August 1914 and November 11, 1918.

[1] An open competition was held for the design, with engravers presenting 73 models to the jury.

The profile of the event was increased when the prestigious magazine L'Illustration pictured the six models selected in an article of January 29, 1921.

On the obverse, is an effigy of a youthful Minerva in profile, wearing the helmet of 1915, representing France.

[1] On the reverse is the legend: GRANDE GUERRE 1914-1918, surrounded by the inscription REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE.