France, Iv Republic. An Order Of Merit For Service To Veterans, I Class Commander, By Arthus Bertrand, C.1955 GTRexclude original ribbon

original ribbon

Cross in gilded bronze and enamels

reverse with a personalized inscription and dated "1884" in black ink

He was hospitalized only once during his European service

France, Iv Republic. An Order Of Merit For Service To Veterans, I Class Commander, By Arthus Bertrand, C.1955 GTRexclude original ribbon(Ordre du Mrite Combattant). Instituted in 1953. Three piece construction, in silver gilt with green enamels, engraver marked just below the bust on the obverse, maker marked "AB" (Arthus Bertrand) on the obverse of the integral suspension, measuring 58. 8 mm (w) x 58. 3 mm (h) inclusive of its integral suspension, intact enamels, very light contact, on its original full length neck ribbon which has been folded and sewn together to form a bow tied