The Political Internment Medal

• Time Period: World War II
• Institution: 9 September 1948
• Country: France

The Political deportation and internment medal (or Médaille de la déportation et de l’internement politique) is a commemorative medal awarded by the Ministry for veterans and war victims of the French Republic to its citizens who were deported or interned by the German occupation forces during World War 2.

Created by a law on 9 September 1948, the medal defines the status of political deportees and internees, declaring in its opening article “The Republic, grateful to those who contributed to the salvation of the country, bowed before them and before their families, determined the status of political deportees and internees, proclaim their rights and those of their successors”.

The title of political internee giving the right to wear the Political deportation and internment medal with political internee ribbon was bestowed to French citizens living in France or abroad, interned by the enemy or the Vichy government, for any reason other than for common or criminal offenses. These were interned for a legitimate act accomplished for the cause of the liberation of France; for an administrative or judicial measure resulting in deprivation of freedom; and French citizens living in France or abroad, who were executed by the enemy for any reason other than for common or criminal offenses.

The Political Deportation and Internment Medal Design

Designed by French artist engraver Arthus Bertrand, the medal measures 30 mm in diameter, is circular and struck from bronze or gilt bronze.

Its obverse bears the relief image of four vertical chain links protruding from the medal circumference. It also shows a small relief image of the map of France with six rays of light protruding out to the medal’s outer edges and the inscription RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE. The reverse bears the same chain links but without the map of France or the rays, and the years “1940” and “1945” in relief instead. Along the circumference it says MÉDAILLE DE LA DÉPORTATION ET DE L’INTERNEMENT).