- Time Period: World War II
- Institution: 4 April 1946
- Country: France
The Commemorative medal for voluntary service in Free France (or Médaille commémorative des services volontaires dans la France libre in French) is a French commemorative war medal awarded to members of the Free French Forces who fought the Axis forces on most fronts during World War II. It was established by decree on 4 April 1946.
The Free French Forces were especially active in North Africa where they particularly distinguished themselves during the Battle of Bir Hakeim. Also part of the whole, the Free French Naval Forces and Free French Air Force, although limited in numbers and equipment nonetheless took part in most major engagements alongside allied forces including in the Soviet Union.
The Commemorative medal for voluntary service in Free France was awarded to all persons, civilian or military, French or foreign nationals who had voluntarily contracted in the Free French Forces prior to 1 August 1943 (for soldiers), or who had effectively served Free France on the territories controlled by the National Committee in London and in foreign countries prior to 1 August 1943 (for civil servants).
The Commemorative medal for voluntary service in Free France Design
The Commemorative medal for voluntary service in Free France was struck from silvered bronze in the shape of a Cross of Lorraine. Its obverse bears the relief inscription on two lines “FRANCE” on the upper horizontal arm and “LIBRE” on the lower arm. Its reverse bears the dates “18 JUIN 1940” on the upper arm and “8 MAI 1945” on the lower arm.
The Commemorative medal for voluntary service in Free France hangs from a dark blue silk moiré ribbon adorned with 2 mm wide red oblique stripes separated by 4 mm.
