Medal, Commemorative
Object number2019.98.1
Artist
S.E. Vernier
Date1916-1918
OriginFrance
MediumBrass
Credit LineGift of Charlotte O'Neil Oliver
DescriptionBrass commemorative medal. Medal is circular with a raised circular cutout at the top for a chain to pass through. Engraved text around top edge of medal and raised relief in the middle; relief shows a person's upper body, with their head in profile and turned to their left. They are wearing a helmet and armor and holding a sword with their right hand; left hand is clenched in a fist and visible near the edge on the viewer's right side. Back of medal is engraved and features raised text at the top and bottom with an image of a castle in the middle. Castle has two towers in the front and one barely visible in the background with an entryway in the middle. Left and right sides of medal have leafy branches, and background of the text at the top is textured with vertical lines.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 1.125 x 1.063 x 0.063 in. (2.9 x 2.7 x 0.2 cm)InscriptionsEngraved text across top of medal on front: "ON NE PASSE PAS". (Translation from French: "They shall not pass.")
Engraved text across top and bottom of medal on back: "VERDUN / 21 FEVRIER / 1916" (Translation from French: "February")
MarksEngraved manufacturing text across top of medal on front side: "VERNIER".
Historical NotesThis Verdun medallion belonged to Franklin Cadwallader Irish. It was created on November 20, 1916, by the Municipal Council of Verdun to commemorate the heroism of its defenders. The Battle of Verdun was fought from February 21, 1916, to December 15, 1916, and it is known as the longest battle in modern history. The phrase "on ne passe pas," which means "they shall not pass," on the medal originated from this battle and was used on propaganda posters throughout the rest of the war. While the medal was only supposed to be given to those who served on the Verdun front in France in 1916, it ended up being awarded to those who served anywhere on the Argonne and Saint-Mihiel sectors between July 31, 1914, and November 11, 1918. The son of Dallas Irish, Franklin Cadwallader Irish was born on May 5, 1877. He was educated at Shadyside Academy and briefly attended Princeton University. Irish married Alberta Harper on January 5, 1910. He served in the American Ambulance Field Service as a driver during World War I near Verdun, France. In Pittsburgh, he was involved in real estate interests, first as co-owner of the firm Avey and Irish and later bought sole interest in the firm. After the war he managed his family’s real estate interests. He died in 1951 and is buried in Homewood Cemetery.
Related institution
Municipal Council of Verdun
Previous owner
Franklin Cadwallader Irish
(1877 - 1951)
Related institution
American Ambulance Field Service
Related person
Alberta Harper Irish
(died 1963)
Related institution
Avey and Irish
On View
Not on view
1968-2001
1937-1938
c. 1940