[2] The Croix du combattant volontaire de la Résistance was created to honour those who voluntarily participated in acts of resistance, or by participating with a recognized resistance group, during which they put their lives at risk.

It was issued to all cardholders of voluntary resistance fighter created in 1949,[2] which itself is obtained using the following criteria: The Croix du Combattant Volontaire de la Résistance is not considered a war decoration, but is taken into account when reviewing applications for, firstly, the Croix du combattant volontaire 1939–1945 and secondly, the rank of Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur (for quotas reserved for former resistance fighters).

[2] A 1989 law removed all previously enacted time constraints for application of the status of resistance volunteer combatant.

[3] The Cross of the Resistance Volunteer Combatant, a design of engraver Frédéric de Vernon, is a 36 mm wide cross pattée made of gilt bronze.

On the reverse, the relief inscription on three lines on the central medallion COMBATTANT VOLONTAIRE RÉSISTANCE.