I am trying to figure out the significance of the medal and paper form I was given.

I am very proud to have inherited it, but wish I knew more about what it said. The paper with the medal is rather tattered but my grandfather had sealed it in on a wooden tablet, I would assume for safe and easily observable keeping.

I do not understand the language, it appears to be French, but I have a tough time deciphering it. I do not know french.

With the paper is a medal. I believe it is from the Crimean War-it says Crimea on it and displays Queen Victoria on the front.

It has three clasps on the ribbon-Balaclava, Alma, and Sebastapol. I assume they're battles.

Can someone help me figure out what the paper says? Its in rough shape but hopefully someone is familiar enough with it to explain it to me.

Thank you so much.

The paper. http://i.imgur.com/KLjcXRE.jpg

The ribbon is severed a bit but here is the medal. http://i.imgur.com/qJwT29r.jpg