[1] In 1956, Egyptian President Nasser decided to nationalize the Suez Canal Company, this action was against French and British interests in the region leading to a military intervention by both countries.

For its part, France decided to send a 10,000 man strong expeditionary force under the command of Admiral Pierre Barjot and General André Beaufre.

[2] Under heavy diplomatic pressure from both the United States and the USSR, the Franco-British forces withdrew from the retaken territories and the entire expedition was abandoned after barely four months.

No one can claim the right to wear this medal if condemned to a prison term or severe punishment for reprehensible actions carried out during the operation.

[1] On the reverse, the relief inscription on five lines "MÉDAILLE COMMÉMORATIVE DES OPÉRATIONS DU MOYEN-ORIENT 1956" (English: "MIDDLE EAST OPERATIONS COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL 1956").