China, People's Republic. A Military Merit Medal 1954, III Class Newly Listed inscribed "REPUBLIQUE FRANCAIS" above

inscribed "REPUBLIQUE FRANCAIS" above

the obverse of the chape and locket stamped "RE" between rules above and below (Royal Engineers)

indicating he had no previous military service

Instigated in 1942 and awarded to civilians

which presumably was Schmidt’s initial training unit

China, People's Republic. A Military Merit Medal 1954, III Class Newly Listed inscribed "REPUBLIQUE FRANCAIS" aboveThree piece construction, in bronze with red enamels, measuring 41. 5 mm (w) x 46 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, intact enamels, embroidered ribbon within a traditional horizontal hanger with pinback, chipping evident in the red enamels on the star point at 7 o'clock, very fine.