The Medal of Merit of the Civil Guard (, ) is a decoration of Belgium. It was established on 18 November 1830 and was awarded to members of the Belgian Civil Guard for distinguished service.Cornet R., 1982, Recueil des dispositions légales et réglementaires régissant les ordres nationaux belges. 2e Ed. N.pl., (Brussels)
Insignia
The medal is circular and gold-plated. the obverse bears a climbing lion holding up a lance surmounted by a phrenic cap, symbolizing liberty and freedom. Below the lion, the name of the creator of the medal is written (Braemt F.). The reverse of the medal shows a wreath similar to the one surrounding the Maltese cross of the Order of Leopold, being a wreath of laurel (left) and oak leaves (right). Within, the French text "recompense civique" (civil reward) is written.
Ribbon
The ribbon is 35 mm wide and consists of the following stripes: 5,6 mm Red; 1,6 mm Dark green; 5,6 mm White; 1,6 mm Dark green; 11,3 mm Red; 1,6 mm Dark green; 5,6 mm White; 1,6 mm Dark green; 5,6 mm Red;
Award conditions The medal was awarded by the Belgian provisional government to members of the Belgian Civil Guard for distinguished service. Only five medals were ever awarded.Borné A.C., 1985, Distinctions honorifiques de la Belgique, 1830-1985 (Brussels)
Order of precedence
The order of precedence of the medal was never formally established.
Recipients
Baron Emmanuel van der Linden d'Hooghvorst Colonel Knight Van Coeckelberghe de Dudzele Major François Michiels An unknown sergeant An unknown member of the guard
See also
Orders, decorations, and medals of Belgium Belgian honours order of wearing
References
The Medal of Merit of the Civil Guard - Belgian Medals & Awards Pre-WW1 Le Coin des Médailles