[2] It was originally created in a single grade for award to officiers and NCOs of the Gendarmerie nationale who were cited in the orders of the entire service.

[2] Medals awarded prior to the 2004 decree and bearing the now defunct grenade device will have the latter replaced by an army corps level gilt star.

[4] The Médaille de la Gendarmerie nationale is a 36 mm in diameter circular gilt bronze medal.

At its top, also in gilt bronze and hiding the ribbon suspension loop, is affixed a grenade with flames between laurel leaves.

[2] The Médaille de la Gendarmerie nationale is suspended by a 37 mm wide silk moiré ribbon divided by vertical stripes in the following colours:[2]