Awards of
World War II
The French Revolution resulted in the abolition of all previously existing awards and distinctions. At first, award weapons, pistols, and sabers were used to reward military personnel for heroic deeds and other acts of bravery, but this was clearly insufficient.
In 1802, Napoleon Bonaparte proposed the establishment of the Legion of Honor, but the original statute for the award was rejected. The government feared a return to the old regime and the creation of another aristocracy through the order. Later, with some amendments, the order was established as the highest award of the French Republic, eligible for any citizen, regardless of social class, origin, religion, or profession.
According to the award's statutes, the Grand Master is the President of France. He assumes his duties simultaneously with the inauguration, at which he receives the collar with the Grand Cross of the order.
The award exists in five degrees: Knight Grand Cross; Grand Officer; Commander; Officer; Knight. With a few exceptions, members of the order receive the degrees of the award in turn, beginning with Knight. An exception is, for example, the Prime Minister of France, who automatically becomes a Grand Officer of the order after two years of service.