The French Heroes Fund Obverse

One of the more successful New York City-based war charities, the French Heroes Fund, was established in 1917 with the intent of aiding wounded French soldiers, but soon expanded its scope to include aid to refugees and children. With the purchase of the Chateau de Chavaniac Lafayette, the birthplace of the American War of Independence hero, the Fund was able to establish an orphanage far from the front lines in the south of France. By the time the Fund was dissolved in 1922 it had received over $1.5 million in donations. Manship’s medal was produced to help raise money for the Fund.

Two French soldiers charging over fallen German soldier; within curve below: THE FRENCH HEROES FUND