I was just reading a WWI book and this medal was mentioned - it was awarded by France to many heroic vets of WWI and WWII who fought to liberate France, regardless of their nationality. It has also been awarded to person who have provided great service to France, outside of wartime. So it may well have been awarded to a vet who lived or now lives in the Mojave. Pretty exciting find, I"d say!
BTW, the lady on the medal is 'Marianne' - I don't think she's designed after a real person, but she's the most popular symbol of the French Republic. The two flags on the back of the medal would have been two crossed French flags. Depending on when it was made, it could be silver, or it could be an amalgamate.
