Légion d'honneur: Encyclopedia II - Légion d'honneur - Insignia

Légion d'honneur - Insignia

• The badge of the Legion is a five-armed 'Maltese Asterisk' (for want of a better description — see Maltese Cross) in gilt (in silver for chevalier) enameled white, with an enameled laurel and oak wreath between the arms. The obverse central disc is in gilt, featuring the head of Marianne, surrounded by the legend République Française on a blue enamel ring. The reverse central disc is also in gilt, with a set of crossed tricolore, surrounded by the Legion's motto Honneur et patrie (Honour and Fatherland) and its foundation date on a blue enamel ring. The badge is suspended by an enameled laurel and oak wreath.

• The star (or "plaque") is worn by Grand Cross (in gilt on the left chest) and Grand Officer (in silver on the right chest) respectively; it is similar to be badge, but without enamel, and with the wreath replaced by a cluster of rays in between each arm. The central disc features the head of Marianne, surrounded by the legend République Française and the motto "Honneur et patrie".

• The ribbon for the badge is plain red.

In summary,

• Grand Cross - wears the badge on a sash on the right shoulder, plus the star on the left chest;
• Grand Officer - wears the badge on a ribbon with rosette on the left chest, plus the star on the right chest;
• Commander - wears the badge on a necklet;
• Officer - wears the badge on a ribbon with rosette on the left chest;
• Chevalier - wears the badge on a ribbon on the left chest.

The badge or star is not worn usually, except at the time of the decoration ceremony or on a dress uniform. Instead, one normally wears the ribbon or rosette on one's suit.

Original Légionnaire insigna (1804)

Late Empire Légionnaire insigna: the front feature Napoleon's profile and the rear, the imperial Eagle. An imperial crown joins the cross and the ribbon.

Louis XVIII era (1814) Knight insigna: the front features Henry IV's profile and the rear, the arms of the French Kingdom (three fleurs de lis). An royal crown joins the cross and the ribbon.

rear of a Republican cross, with two crossed French flags

Fifth Republic Knight insigna: the centre features Marianne's head. A crown of laurel joins the cross and the ribbon.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Insignia", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki