Legion of Honour which went to foreigners. The large number of decorations resulted from the new posthumous awards authorised in 1918. Traditionally, membership in the could not be awarded posthumously. The establishment of the Fourth Republic in 1946 brought about the latest change in the design of the Legion of Honour. The date "1870" on the obverse was replaced by a single star. The Legion of Honour is a national order of France, meaning a public incorporated body. The Legion is regulated by a civil law code, the "Code of the Legion of Honour and of the Military Medal". While the President of
Military Health Service honour medal Military Health Service honour medal The Military Health Service honour medal () is a French decoration created 30 August 1962. The medal recognizes individuals who have contributed or lent their support to the French Defence Health service and were particularly marked by their services or their dedication. It is presented in four different levels: gold, vermeil, silver, and bronze. It may be awarded to members of the military as well as civilians. The Military Health Service honour medal replaces six obsolete awards: The decree of 28 June 1979 allows the award of this distinction posthumously. The four levels are awarded