French Medal for Middle East Operations – Suez Crisis 1956 with MOYEN ORIENT Clasp
Key Information:
• Country: France
• Official name: Médaille Commémorative des Opérations du Moyen-Orient
• Campaign: Middle East Operations – Suez Crisis
• Date: 1956
• Clasp: MOYEN ORIENT
• Diameter: approx. 29.58 mm
Medal Design:
Obverse:
Depicts Marianne wearing a Phrygian helmet with laurel wreath.
Inscription: "REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE" – French Republic.
Suspension:
Decorative crescent with laurel branches symbolizing operations in the Middle East.
Bronze clasp on ribbon: "MOYEN ORIENT" – Middle East.
Reverse:
Inscription:
"MÉDAILLE COMMÉMORATIVE
DES OPÉRATIONS
DU MOYEN-ORIENT
1956"
Translation:
Commemorative Medal for Operations in the Middle East 1956.
Ribbon:
Blue with central yellow stripe and yellow edge stripes.
Condition:
• Light age-related wear and natural patina
• Ribbon in good condition with minor signs of age
• Clasp well preserved
• For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
This medal was awarded to French military personnel who participated in operations in the Middle East, including the 1956 Suez Crisis. The distinctive crescent suspension and MOYEN ORIENT clasp clearly identify it as related to the campaign in Egypt.
An important Cold War era French military decoration, sought after by collectors of post-WWII and colonial campaign medals.
Summary:
A genuine French Middle East Operations Commemorative Medal from 1956 with MOYEN ORIENT clasp. A historically significant piece connected to the Suez Crisis and French overseas military operations.