The Ordre national du Mérite is a French order of merit with membership awarded by the President of the French Republic, founded on 3 December 1963 by President Charles de Gaulle. The reason for the order's establishment was twofold: to replace the large number of ministerial orders previously awarded by the ministries; and to create an award that can be awarded at a lower level than the Legion of Honour, which is generally reserved for French citizens. It comprises about 185,000 members; 306,000 members have been admitted or promoted in 50 years.
Sash, badge and star of a Grand Cross
Commandant Jacques Cousteau, a Grand-Croix of the Ordre national du Mérite.
Actor, director and writer Jacques Weber, a Chevalier of the Ordre national du Mérite.
US Navy Admiral Frank Bowman, an Officier of the Ordre national du Mérite
The president of France, officially the president of the French Republic, is the executive head of state of France, and the commander-in-chief of the French Armed Forces. As the presidency is the supreme magistracy of the country, the position is the highest office in France. The powers, functions and duties of prior presidential offices, in addition to their relation with the prime minister and government of France, have over time differed with the various constitutional documents since the Second Republic.
President of France
Alain Poher, Acting President of France in 1969 and 1974
The Élysée Palace, the principal residence of the president