The National Defence Medal of France was instituted 21st April 1982 & was issued in 3 grades, bronze, silver & gold. It was awarded to military or civilian personnel such as police officers, who rendered distinguished & honourable service in the defence of France. 

This French police issue medal is the gold grade example & has the bronze bar “Gendarmerie Nationale” attached to the ribbon. The recipient would have needed to serve a minimum of 10 years service & have been awarded the bronze & silver grades at least 2 years prior! It also has the words “ Armee, Nation, Defense Nationale “ inscribed to the rear of the disc & overall the medal is in very good condition with minor wear marks, retaining a great deal of the gold patina.