Offered is a very unusual French National Defence medal, second class (silver grade), Paris Mint model. The medal itself is not terribly scarce, but the combination of bars associated with this particular piece make it an exceptional example.
The Chad / Infantry / Foreign Intervention combination ties this award specifically to the French intervention in Chad known as 'Operation Mantis' in the years 1983-84, launched to contain Gaddafi's expansionist campaign. The intervention involved around 3500 French troops, and owing to the high award-threshold of the silver grade, few of these troops would have qualified for this medal.
In all a very scarce combination of bars, and a fascinating peek into an important, but oft-forgotten campaign.
Offered is a very unusual French National Defence medal, second class (silver grade), Paris Mint model. The medal itself is not terribly scarce, but the combination of bars associated with this particular piece make it an exceptional example.
The Chad / Infantry / Foreign Intervention combination ties this award specifically to the French intervention in Chad known as 'Operation Mantis' in the years 1983-84, launched to contain Gaddafi's expansionist campaign. The intervention involved around 3500 French troops, and owing to the high award-threshold of the silver grade, few of these troops would have qualified for this medal.
In all a very scarce combination of bars, and a fascinating peek into an important, but oft-forgotten campaign.
