WWI FRANCE THE BATTLE OF VERDUN SILVER MILITARY MEDAL MATTEI VERSION VERY RARE !!

On the morning of February 21, 1916, one of the longest, bloodiest, and most expensive battles in World War I began. For nearly 300 relentless days, French and German forces engaged in a brutal cycle of attacks, counterattacks, and bombardments. The fighting turned the small area around the Meuse River—less than a 10 km radius—into what became known as the “Hell of Verdun.” Hundreds of thousands of German troops, backed by heavy artillery, pounded French defenses stationed in forts and the fortified city of Verdun. While the Germans intended to bleed France dry, the battle dragged both sides into a grueling stalemate. By December 19, the French had regained the upper hand and reclaimed their territory, though at the cost of massive casualties. Together, the two armies suffered over 800,000 losses. 

Engraver: Louis Octave Mattéi (Died in the First World War)