Medals from France from The Second World War WW2
French Military Medals & Awards from 1939 to 1945.
In World War II, France faced a challenging and tumultuous role that ultimately led to its occupation by Nazi Germany. Initially, France was confident in its defenses, relying on the Maginot Line to protect its borders with Germany. However, the German Blitzkrieg tactics proved highly effective, leading to the rapid defeat of French forces in May and June 1940.
Despite the occupation, many French citizens resisted German rule through various means, including underground networks, acts of sabotage, and support for the Allied forces. France was liberated in 1944 following the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day, which marked the beginning of the end for Nazi occupation.
On this page, you will find all military and campaign medals, awards, and decorations of France given during the Second World War.
Featured WW2 French Medals,
Orders & Decorations
France’s experience in World War II was marked by occupation, collaboration, resistance, and ultimately liberation. The war profoundly impacted French society and culture, shaping its post-war identity and commitment to democracy and human rights. Here are some of the most renowned medals, orders, and decorations bestowed by France during World War II.
The Aeronautical Medal
The Aeronautical Medal (“Médaille de l’Aéronautique”) is a French decoration awarded to military personnel and civilians for outstanding aeronautics.
The Medal of a Liberated France
The Medal of a Liberated France was a decoration of the French Republic awarded for contributions to the liberation from German occupation.
The Commemorative Medal for Voluntary Service in Free France
The Commemorative Medal for Voluntary Service in Free France is a French commemorative war medal and awarded during WW2.
The 1943-1944 Italian Campaign Medal (France)
The 1943–1944 Italian campaign medal is a campaign medal awarded to soldiers and sailors of the French Expeditionary Corps of Italy.
The 1939–1945 Commemorative War Medal (France)
The 1939–1945 Commemorative War Medal is a medal of France established in 1946 to recognize individual participation in the Second World War.
All Second World War
WW2 French Medals
Before the start of the war, France had many irregular and regular forces (due, in part, to the German occupation during WW1). This included 117 divisions. Following France’s disastrous loss at the Battle of France in 1940, France fell into the hands of an authoritarian regime that collaborated with Germany. However, French ground armies, air forces, and navies fought with the allies before, during, and after the Battle of France.
The Aeronautical Medal
The Aeronautical Medal (“Médaille de l’Aéronautique”) is a French decoration awarded to military personnel and civilians for outstanding aeronautics.
The Cross of the Resistance Volunteer Combatant
The Cross of the Resistance Volunteer Combatant (“Croix du combattant volontaire de la Résistance”) is a decoration for the French resistance.
The Volunteer Combatant’s Cross
The Volunteer combatant’s cross (Croix du combattant volontaire) was a French decoration for volunteers that served during World War II.
The Resistance Medal
The Resistance medal (Médaille de la Résistance) was a decoration bestowed by the French Committee of National Liberation during World War II.
The Medal of the Gendarmerie Nationale
The Medal of the National Gendarmerie or Federal Police (Médaille de la Gendarmerie nationale) is a military decoration created in 1949.
The War Cross 1939-1945
The War Cross 1939–1945 (Croix de guerre 1939–1945) is a French military decoration to honor those who fought with the Allies during WW2.
The Recusants Insignia
The Recusant’s Insignia is a French medal to honor French citizens who had evaded the Compulsory Work Service in Germany.
The Political Internment Medal
The Political deportation and internment medal is a commemorative medal awarded by the Ministry for veterans and war victims.
The Political Deportation Medal
The Political deportation and internment medal is a commemorative medal awarded by the Ministry for veterans and war victims.
The Medal of a Liberated France
The Medal of a Liberated France was a decoration of the French Republic awarded for contributions to the liberation from German occupation.
The Commemorative Medal for Voluntary Service in Free France
The Commemorative Medal for Voluntary Service in Free France is a French commemorative war medal and awarded during WW2.
The 1943-1944 Italian Campaign Medal (France)
The 1943–1944 Italian campaign medal is a campaign medal awarded to soldiers and sailors of the French Expeditionary Corps of Italy.
The 1939–1945 Commemorative War Medal (France)
The 1939–1945 Commemorative War Medal is a medal of France established in 1946 to recognize individual participation in the Second World War.
Further Reading About France, WW1 and WW2
Explore more about France’s pivotal role in World War I and World War II and delve into the rich history, key battles, political landscape, and the experiences of soldiers and civilians during these tumultuous periods.
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The Miracle of Dunkirk: The True Story of Operation Dynamo
$5.95 Get it from Amazon -
Feeding the Nation in World War II: Rationing, Digging for Victory and Unusual Food
$24.95 Get it from Amazon -
Bletchley Park’s Secret Source: Churchill’s Wrens and the Y Service in World War II
$27.36 Get it from Amazon -
A World Undone: The Story of the Great War, 1914 to 1918
$13.99 Get it from Amazon -
World War II at Sea: A Global History
$23.00 Get it from Amazon
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More French Medals
French medals extend beyond the pre-World War I era and encompass a vast array of historical and military distinctions. From the period before World War I to World War II campaign medals and honors recognizing bravery and service, these medals are emblematic of France’s enduring commitment to valor and honor.
