The Verdun medals were unofficial awards, by the municipality of Verdun, to military personnel who participated in the February 1916 battle of the Verdun fort. This is the original and initial example (the regular medals with the ribbon were given later on) designed by Vernier, with the name of the medalist engraved on it together with the motto "on ne passe pas" (you will not pass), and the date "21 Fevrier 1916" on the reverse side. Marked "Bronze" and maker marked by the Paris Mint on the rim.