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The LVF was the Legion of French Volunteers against Bolshevism. It was an army unit of French men who chose to fight alongside Germany during World War II. They wore German uniforms and traveled to the Eastern Front to battle the Soviet Union. This group was formed in 1941 and took part in the war as an ally to the Axis powers.

What did the cross look like?

The medal was shaped like a classic four-armed military cross. In the center, it featured a French cockerel, or rooster, placed in front of a German eagle and a wreath of oak leaves. The ribbon was very distinct with a wide black stripe down the middle. It also had red and green stripes on the sides to match the special colors of the LVF unit.

Where did recipients fight?

The soldiers who earned this medal fought in the freezing forests and wide plains of Eastern Europe. Their main job was to battle the Soviet Red Army during the middle years of the war. They served thousands of miles away from their homes in France. This group was committed to helping the German army win the conflict against Soviet forces.

Was this cross approved by the French Republic after the war?

No, the French government completely banned this medal after the war ended. Because these soldiers fought for the enemy, the government saw the medal as a symbol of betrayal. Anyone caught wearing or claiming it could be punished for treason against France. It was looked at as a mark of national shame rather than a sign of honor.

This medal was officially created in July 1942. It was designed to reward bravery and leadership for the French men serving in the LVF. The leaders of the Vichy government in France gave their full approval for this decoration. It became the most important award that these specific soldiers could receive.

The LVF was the Legion of French Volunteers against Bolshevism. It was an army unit of French men who chose to fight alongside Germany during World War II. They wore German uniforms and traveled to the Eastern Front to battle the Soviet Union. This group was formed in 1941 and took part in the war as an ally to the Axis powers.

What did the cross look like?

The medal was shaped like a classic four-armed military cross. In the center, it featured a French cockerel, or rooster, placed in front of a German eagle and a wreath of oak leaves. The ribbon was very distinct with a wide black stripe down the middle. It also had red and green stripes on the sides to match the special colors of the LVF unit.

Where did recipients fight?

The soldiers who earned this medal fought in the freezing forests and wide plains of Eastern Europe. Their main job was to battle the Soviet Red Army during the middle years of the war. They served thousands of miles away from their homes in France. This group was committed to helping the German army win the conflict against Soviet forces.

Was this cross approved by the French Republic after the war?

No, the French government completely banned this medal after the war ended. Because these soldiers fought for the enemy, the government saw the medal as a symbol of betrayal. Anyone caught wearing or claiming it could be punished for treason against France. It was looked at as a mark of national shame rather than a sign of honor.

This medal was officially created in July 1942. It was designed to reward bravery and leadership for the French men serving in the LVF. The leaders of the Vichy government in France gave their full approval for this decoration. It became the most important award that these specific soldiers could receive.

Home Library Vichy FranceCroix de Guerre for the Legion of French Volunteers

Valor decoration

Croix de Guerre for the Legion of French Volunteers

A rare military cross created for French volunteer troops fighting on the Eastern Front against the Soviet Union.

Vichy France Established 1942 ArmyPrecedence: Worn by LVF members as their premier valor cross

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for bravery and combat leadership on the Eastern Front against Soviet forces.

Eligibility

French volunteers serving in the LVF fighting alongside Axis forces in Russia.

Branch

Army

Precedence

Worn by LVF members as their premier valor cross

Croix de Guerre for the Legion of French Volunteers, Valor decoration, Vichy France medal

History

In July 1942, the Legion of French Volunteers against Bolshevism (LVF) established this cross with the approval of Vichy leadership. The LVF was a unit of Frenchmen wearing German uniforms to fight against Soviet forces in the east.

The decoration looked similar to traditional French crosses but featured a French cockerel in front of an eagle and an oak wreath. The ribbon had a wide black center with red and green striping, matching colors associated with collaborationist units.

This cross was one of the most controversial decorations of the war. After Allied forces liberated France, wearing or claiming this medal was treated as an act of treason and national dishonor.