The Mdaille militaire (Military Medal) is a decoration of the French Republic which was first instituted in 1852. The creator of the mdaille was the emperor Napolon III, who may have taken his inspiration in a medal issued by his father, Louis Bonaparte, King of Holland. The Military Medal is issued to any non-commissioned officer or enlisted personnel who distinguishes himself by acts of bravery in action against an enemy force. Commissioned officers are not eligible. An interesting feature of the mdaille is that it is also the supreme award for leadership, being awarded to generals and admirals who had been commanders-in-chief. This particular mdaille is considered superior even to the grand cross of the Lgion d'honneur. After the First World War, the Military Medal was also issued for receiving wounds in combat. The Mdaille militaire is one of the rarest French decorations to be bestowed upon foreigners. During the Second World War, the Mdaille reached its highest numbers of foreign bestowals, most often to members of the British Army as well as to the United States military.