The obverse depicts a harnessed, helmeted female head (and shoulders, representing France), holding an officer's sword in her right hand. On top is the famous Order of the Day from General Ptain: "On ne passe pas" (Nobody gets through). The engraver's name, "Vernier" is along the medal's outer edge, bottom right.

The reverse shows the "Porte Chausse", a Verdun town gate with two fortified towers. Over it, the town's name is on a panel and along the bottom rim the starting date of the battles: 21 FEVRIER 1916, is present.

Suspension of the medal is by a ring which runs through a hole in a lug which is part of the medal.