It is the equivalent of the "1914–1918 Volunteer combatant's cross" (French: "Croix du Combattant Volontaire 1914–1918").

At the request of the associations of veterans the state fixed by Act of 4 February 1953, accompanied by a decree of 19 November 1955, the award Croix du Combattant Volontaire 1939–1945, designated for those who volunteered to serve.

Additional revisions of the act establishing this award in 1995 and 2007 have added a total of five clasps: A cross with four arms in bronze, 36 mm wide.

The Volunteer combatant's cross was created to honor those who voluntarily participated in an armed conflict, during which they put their lives at risk.

The Volunteer combatant's cross is considered a war decoration during the review of applications for Légion d'honneur, la Médaille militaire and l'Ordre national du Mérite.