Published by
Grand Chancery of the Legion of Honor, French, founded 1802
Received by
General Powell, Colin L., American, 1937 - 2021
Date
May 12, 1992
Medium
(a) ink on paper (fiber product)
(b) wood, glass and metal
Dimensions
H x W x D (framed): 22 1/16 × 26 9/16 × 3 1/2 in. (56.1 × 67.5 × 8.9 cm)
Caption
General Colin Powell was awarded the Legion of Honor in 1992. The Legion of Honor was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in May 1802 and is the highest decoration in France. It is divided into five degrees of increasing distinction: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer) and Grand Croix (Grand Cross). General Powell was awarded the degree of Commandeur.
Description
A framed Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur (National Order of the Legion of Honor) awarded by the Grand Chancery of the Legion of Honor to General Colin L. Powell. On May 12, 1992, General Colin Powell was awarded the highest French merit award: Commandeur level National Order of the Legion of Honor (a). At the French embassy in Paris, France, on July 24, 1992, General Powell was presented with the accompanying Legion of Honor badge (A2022.101.1.6.1a) and miniature Legion of Honor badge ribbon (A2022.101.1.6.2) and this certificate. The large white paper certificate features a decorative black-and-white border with the hanging Legion of Honor badge illustrated at the top center. The badge’s ribbon collar is depicted as infinitely interwoven like a scroll, with the olive branch of peace. At each of the four corners of the border, and at the top center, is “RH”.
In black ink the certificate reads: [RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE / ODRE NATIONAL DE LA LÉGION D’HONNEUR / HONNEUR PATRIE / LE PRÉSIDENT DE LA REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE / GRAND MAÎTRE DE L’ORDRE NATIONAL DE LA LÉGION D’HONNEUR / nomme par décret de ce jour, le Général d’Armée Colin, Luther POWELL / Chef d’Etat-Major des Armées américaines / COMMANDEUR DE LA LÉGION D’HONNEUR / Fait à Paris, le 12 mai 1992]. To the right of the raised opaque apostille in the lower left corner of the certificate is: [Scellé du sceau de l’Odre sous le n°43 LHE 92]. The signature of Le Secrétaire Général adjoint, signed “F. TISNÉ” is also present. In the lower right corner of the certificate is: [Par le Président de la République : / LE GRAND CHANCELIER DE LA LÉGION D’HONNEUR, / Général BIARD]. General Biard’s signature in brown ink is also present.
The oversized, gilt style square frame (b) is solidly constructed of wood and features deeply engraved leaf motifs.
Place printed
Paris, France, Europe
Classification
Awards, Medals, and Insignia
Type
frames (furnishings)
certificates
Topic
Government
International affairs
Men
Military
Politics
U.S. History, 1969-2001
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alma J. Powell
Object number
A2022.101.1.20ab
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown – Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd53cc620b2-5bc2-4c3f-8f72-cf969f22f37b

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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