Obverse: Head of France with diadem (left). Legend: 'REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE'. Reverse: An oval shield with inscription having as supporters a female figure (left) holding a laurel branch, and Mercury (right) with caduceus, both standing on a pedestal decorated with an olive branch (centre). Legend: 'MINISTERE DE LA MARINE ET DES COLONIES'. Inscription: 'A PETER SHARP CAPITAINE ANGLAIS. COURAGE ET DEVOUEMENT 1878'. On Edge: 'OR'. Fitted with a loop and ring and tricolour ribbon.

Awarded to Peter Sharp, born 1838 at Ardrossan, Ayrshire. He was master of the merchant ship 'Annabella Clark'. In 1878 he helped rescue the crew of a French merchant ship 'Melanie', when it caught fire and sank. He suffered minor burns during the rescue.