French Order of Merit. The cross is attached to a base composed of eight silvery beams of rays that surround the medal itself. This shows a circular piece with an engraved woman profile inside, framed by a deep blue ring with the inscription LE MÉRITE and two laurel branches below. The circle is also embellished by five arms enameled in red and white and connected by five groups of laurel leaves.Measurements: Width: 3.5 in/9 cm. Height: 3.5 in/9 cm.