Commemorative medal for voluntary service in Free France

The Commemorative medal for voluntary service in Free France (French: Médaille commémorative des services volontaires dans la France libre) was a French commemorative war medal established by decree on 4 April 1946 on the 1945 proposition of general Edgard de Larminat to the Minister to the armies.

Beginning with a modest 7,000 men in July 1940, the Free French Forces had grown to approximately 70,000 by June 1942[1] and were especially active in North Africa, where they particularly distinguished themselves during the Battle of Bir Hakeim.

[2] The Commemorative medal for voluntary service in Free France was awarded to all persons, civilian or military, French or foreign nationals:[2] The medal was bestowed accompanied by an award certificate and was often accompanied by a scroll signed by General Charles de Gaulle with the following message in French: "Answering the call of France in mortal peril, you rallied to the Free French Forces.

"[1] Upon application for the award, a committee would examine and confirm or deny membership in the Free French Forces.

The ribbon passed through a rectangular rigid suspension ring struck as an integral part of the cross.

Reverse of the French Commemorative medal for voluntary service in Free France (1946)
General Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque , a recipient of the Commemorative medal for voluntary service in Free France
Commander Philippe Kieffer , a recipient of the Commemorative medal for voluntary service in Free France