Pontifical decorations instituted by Gregory XVI, 1832, and awarded as a recognition of distinguished military and civilservices. The military medal bears on one side the image of Gregory XVI and on the other an angel bearing a scroll with the word Benemerenti beneath the papal emblems. The civilmedal has Benemerenti surrounded by a crown of oak leaves engraved on its face surface. They are worn on the breast, suspended by ribbons of the papal colors.