- Collection - World Medals

Owner Comments:

obverse design : General Paul Pau, bust, full face, in uniform and képi. In the background a battery of French 75 mm field guns firing to left.
reverse design: French cavalry officer leading charge in the heat of battle. Signed: Huguenin at bottom.
(Henri Huguenin 1878-1921).

General Paul Marie Cesar Gerald Pau (Nov 28, 1848-Jan 2, 1932). Born Montelimar, France. Served as a Junior Officer during the 1870-71 Franco-Prussian War. He was wounded 3 times at the Battle of Woerth, resulting in the loss of his arm & awarded the Medaille Millitaire. In 1914 he was in Command of the French Army of Alsace, taking the brunt of the German onslaught. His early victories in Alsace coupled with his heroism in the earlier war made him on of France's most endearing heros. Later commanded 6th Army & led Military Advisory Mission to Russia 1915-16. The Germans credited Pau's assistance for the Russian army's improvement during that period. Led French Military Mission to Australia in 1918 where he travelled extensively promoting France's War effort. He led postwar missions to the U.S., Canada, New Zealand & Australia to encourage reconstruction & economic recovery and was treated as a major celebrity worldwide during his travels. The remainder of his life was devoted to his efforts as president of the Red Cross of France.