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The Milice was a violent paramilitary group started by the Vichy government in France during World War II. They acted like a private army that fought against the French Resistance. Their main job was to hunt down and capture people who opposed the German occupation of their country.

What symbol was shown on the badge?

The official badge featured a design that looked like the Greek letter Gamma. The leaders of the group chose this shape because they said it stood for energy and a new start for France. Both the armed fighters and their leaders wore this pin on their uniforms or their own clothes.

Who founded the Milice?

The group was created under the authority of the Vichy leader Pierre Laval in early 1943. A man named Joseph Darnand was chosen to be the leader of all the fighters. Under his command, the group became well-known for attacking the brave people who fought for a free France.

The Milice was officially formed in January 1943. This happened in the middle of the war while Germany still held tight control over most of France. The group stayed active as a dangerous fighting force until France was finally freed from German rule in 1944.

What happened to the Milice after the war?

Once France was free again, the new government broke up the Milice. It was declared an illegal group, and wearing their badge was strictly banned by the law. Many of the people who served in the Milice were put on trial to answer for the crimes they committed against the French people.

The Milice was a violent paramilitary group started by the Vichy government in France during World War II. They acted like a private army that fought against the French Resistance. Their main job was to hunt down and capture people who opposed the German occupation of their country.

What symbol was shown on the badge?

The official badge featured a design that looked like the Greek letter Gamma. The leaders of the group chose this shape because they said it stood for energy and a new start for France. Both the armed fighters and their leaders wore this pin on their uniforms or their own clothes.

Who founded the Milice?

The group was created under the authority of the Vichy leader Pierre Laval in early 1943. A man named Joseph Darnand was chosen to be the leader of all the fighters. Under his command, the group became well-known for attacking the brave people who fought for a free France.

The Milice was officially formed in January 1943. This happened in the middle of the war while Germany still held tight control over most of France. The group stayed active as a dangerous fighting force until France was finally freed from German rule in 1944.

What happened to the Milice after the war?

Once France was free again, the new government broke up the Milice. It was declared an illegal group, and wearing their badge was strictly banned by the law. Many of the people who served in the Milice were put on trial to answer for the crimes they committed against the French people.

Home Library Vichy FranceBadge of the Milice Française

Service medal

Badge of the Milice Française

An official service insignia worn by members of the Vichy paramilitary force fighting French Resistance fighters.

Vichy France Established 1943 ParamilitaryPrecedence: Worn as a chest and lapel organizational badge

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded to certify membership and active operational service in the Vichy paramilitary Milice.

Eligibility

Enrolled members and officers of the Milice française participating in internal security actions.

Branch

Paramilitary

Precedence

Worn as a chest and lapel organizational badge

Badge of the Milice Française, Service medal, Vichy France medal

History

In January 1943, the Vichy regime created the French Milice (Milice française), led by Joseph Darnand. The Milice was a violent paramilitary force created to battle against the French Resistance and support German security forces inside France.

Members of the Milice wore an official badge featuring the Greek letter Gamma. This symbol was meant to stand for energy and rebirth under Pétain's regime. The emblem was worn on uniforms and civilian lapels by both armed fighters and leaders.

The Milice became notorious for hunting down Resistance members and participating in wartime atrocities. After France's liberation, the Milice was disbanded, its insignia was banned, and many members were put on trial.