Ancient, British and World Coins, Historical Medals and Banknotes

France, France, General Martial Valin, 50th Anniversary of Service to his Country, 1967, a large cast bronze medal by D. de Jaeger, bust of Valin in cap left, reverse eagle and stars within wreath, 80mm. Two spots of verdigris on obverse, otherwise a superb high relief medal, extremely fine

General Martial Valin (1898-1980), Inspector-General and Commander-in-Chief, French Air Force. Graduated from military school at St Cyr; served in Champagne during latter part of World War I; sent to Near East on outbreak of World War II, and thence to Brazil; later joined de Gaulle in England; became Chief of Staff of French Air Force, 1944; after the War was Chief of the French Military Delegation to the United Nations.
Further biographical detail is sold with the medal