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What does the 'V' on the medal mean?

The large 'V' stands for victory over Nazi Germany. People all over the world used this letter during the war to show their hope for freedom. The 'V' sits on top of two crossed swords to show that the fight for peace was won in 1945. It serves as a proud reminder that the long struggle for liberty was a total win for the Allies.

Did underground fighters get this medal?

Yes, the medal was given to the brave men and women of the Belgian resistance. These heroes worked in secret to stop the enemy while their country was under attack. The government created this award in 1946 to make sure these hidden fighters were honored just like soldiers in the army. It was a formal way for the nation to say thank you for their dangerous, undercover missions.

What do the clasps on the ribbon show?

The small metal bars, called clasps, tell the exact story of how a person served. One clasp might mark the hard fighting that happened during the invasion of Belgium in May 1940. Other bars show service on cargo ships or time spent in secret underground groups. These special additions honor the specific way each person helped during the war.

What does the ribbon look like?

The ribbon uses the three famous colors of the Belgian national flag. It has a yellow center with black edges and thin red stripes running down the sides. These colors were a powerful and proud symbol for veterans to wear on their uniforms. For the people of Belgium, this ribbon was a daily reminder of their home and the peace they fought to get back.

Was it awarded after the war ended?

Yes, the Belgian government officially created this medal on February 16, 1946. Even though the war ended in 1945, leaders wanted one special honor to bring all service members together. It helped the country recognize the sacrifices made by everyone, whether they were soldiers or resistance fighters. This award ensured that the entire wartime generation was remembered with respect by their nation.

What does the 'V' on the medal mean?

The large 'V' stands for victory over Nazi Germany. People all over the world used this letter during the war to show their hope for freedom. The 'V' sits on top of two crossed swords to show that the fight for peace was won in 1945. It serves as a proud reminder that the long struggle for liberty was a total win for the Allies.

Did underground fighters get this medal?

Yes, the medal was given to the brave men and women of the Belgian resistance. These heroes worked in secret to stop the enemy while their country was under attack. The government created this award in 1946 to make sure these hidden fighters were honored just like soldiers in the army. It was a formal way for the nation to say thank you for their dangerous, undercover missions.

What do the clasps on the ribbon show?

The small metal bars, called clasps, tell the exact story of how a person served. One clasp might mark the hard fighting that happened during the invasion of Belgium in May 1940. Other bars show service on cargo ships or time spent in secret underground groups. These special additions honor the specific way each person helped during the war.

What does the ribbon look like?

The ribbon uses the three famous colors of the Belgian national flag. It has a yellow center with black edges and thin red stripes running down the sides. These colors were a powerful and proud symbol for veterans to wear on their uniforms. For the people of Belgium, this ribbon was a daily reminder of their home and the peace they fought to get back.

Was it awarded after the war ended?

Yes, the Belgian government officially created this medal on February 16, 1946. Even though the war ended in 1945, leaders wanted one special honor to bring all service members together. It helped the country recognize the sacrifices made by everyone, whether they were soldiers or resistance fighters. This award ensured that the entire wartime generation was remembered with respect by their nation.

Home Library BelgiumCommemorative Medal of the 1940–1945 War

Campaign medal

Commemorative Medal of the 1940–1945 War

This medal recognized military personnel, resistance members, and seamen who fought Nazi Germany in World War II.

Belgium Established 1946 All servicesPrecedence: Follows World War II valor crosses and sits with postwar campaign medals.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for active military service, armed resistance, or allied operations against Axis forces.

Eligibility

Belgian armed forces, resistance fighters, merchant mariners, and allied personnel.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Follows World War II valor crosses and sits with postwar campaign medals.

Commemorative Medal of the 1940–1945 War, Campaign medal, Belgium medal

History

The Belgian government-in-exile and postwar regency created this medal by royal decree on February 16, 1946. World War II had divided Belgian soldiers across the home front, underground resistance networks, and exile units in the United Kingdom. This medal was designed to bring everyone together under one commemorative honor.

It features two crossed swords topped by a large 'V' for victory, surrounded by a crown of laurel. Ribbon clasps showed different types of service, including front-line combat, secret resistance work, or duty in the merchant marine.

This award became the primary service medal for Belgium's World War II generation. It ensured that underground fighters and active-duty troops were both formally remembered by the kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War II

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Albert Lilar, including Commemorative Medal of the 1940–1945 War, Commemorative Medal for Foreign Operations or Missions, shown against a light Belgium flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWII

Commemorative Medal of the 1940–1945 War Commemorative Medal for Foreign Operations or Missions

Albert Lilar

Who Was Colonel Albert Lilar?

A Belgian officer who navigated the complex challenges of the Second World War.

Belgium1940-1945

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Sources

Back to Belgium