French Commemorative Medal for Voluntary Service in Free France (1946), with Free French Pin
The Commemorative Medal for Voluntary Service in Free France (French: Médaille commémorative des services volontaires dans la France libre) was instituted by decree on 4 April 1946 to recognise those who voluntarily answered General de Gaulle’s call and served with the Free French Forces during the early and most critical years of the Second World War.
The award was granted to French and foreign nationals, both military and civilian, who voluntarily joined the Free French Forces prior to 1 August 1943, or who served the Free French administration abroad during this formative period. At a time when the Free French movement was still small and operating in exile, recipients were among those who committed themselves before Allied victory was assured. In total, only 13,469 medals were awarded, reflecting its relatively selective nature.
The medal is struck in silvered bronze and takes the distinctive form of the Cross of Lorraine, the symbol of Free France.
- Obverse: Relief inscription “FRANCE” on the upper arm and “LIBRE” on the lower arm.
- Reverse: Dated “18 JUIN 1940” (the date of de Gaulle’s appeal) on the upper arm and “8 MAI 1945” (Victory in Europe Day) on the lower arm.
The medal is suspended from a dark blue silk moiré ribbon, decorated with fine red diagonal stripes, symbolising sacrifice and resistance. Suspension is via a rigid rectangular ring integral to the cross.
The award was normally issued with an official certificate and, in many cases, accompanied by a scroll signed by General Charles de Gaulle, thanking the recipient for having stood “in the front ranks” during France’s darkest hour.
This medal remains one of the most historically significant French Second World War decorations, directly associated with the Free French Forces, early resistance, and the eventual liberation of France.
AJMS Medals