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What is the Vichy Croix de Guerre?

This medal was a bronze cross given to members of the French military during World War II. It honored soldiers, sailors, and pilots who showed great bravery during fights. The Vichy government created this award in 1941 to recognize those who served under their leadership during the conflict.

How did it look different from the normal French war cross?

The medal kept the same cross shape as the older, famous version used by France. However, the ribbon was changed to look different. Instead of the usual green and red colors, it featured stripes of dark green and black.

Who created this medal?

Marshal Philippe Pétain started this medal in March 1941. As the leader of the Vichy government, he wanted a special award to replace the standard cross from the old French Republic. He intended for this medal to honor the fighters who served his government during the war.

Can veterans wear it today?

No, it is not allowed to be worn in public today. After Allied forces helped free France in 1944, the new leader Charles de Gaulle canceled the award. It was banned because it came from a government that had worked with the enemy during the war.

What was stamped on the back of the medal?

The creators stamped the years 1939 and 1940 on the back of the metal cross. These dates were chosen because they included the time of the major battles, like the Battle of France. The stamp served as a way to honor the combat operations where the soldiers earned the medal.

What is the Vichy Croix de Guerre?

This medal was a bronze cross given to members of the French military during World War II. It honored soldiers, sailors, and pilots who showed great bravery during fights. The Vichy government created this award in 1941 to recognize those who served under their leadership during the conflict.

How did it look different from the normal French war cross?

The medal kept the same cross shape as the older, famous version used by France. However, the ribbon was changed to look different. Instead of the usual green and red colors, it featured stripes of dark green and black.

Who created this medal?

Marshal Philippe Pétain started this medal in March 1941. As the leader of the Vichy government, he wanted a special award to replace the standard cross from the old French Republic. He intended for this medal to honor the fighters who served his government during the war.

Can veterans wear it today?

No, it is not allowed to be worn in public today. After Allied forces helped free France in 1944, the new leader Charles de Gaulle canceled the award. It was banned because it came from a government that had worked with the enemy during the war.

What was stamped on the back of the medal?

The creators stamped the years 1939 and 1940 on the back of the metal cross. These dates were chosen because they included the time of the major battles, like the Battle of France. The stamp served as a way to honor the combat operations where the soldiers earned the medal.

Home Library Vichy FranceCroix de Guerre (Vichy)

Valor decoration

Croix de Guerre (Vichy)

A bronze military cross awarded by the Vichy French regime for acts of bravery in World War II combat.

Vichy France Established 1941 All servicesPrecedence: High precedence among military awards, worn after national orders

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for individual acts of bravery or military citation during combat operations.

Eligibility

French military personnel serving under the armed forces of the Vichy regime.

Branch

All services

Precedence

High precedence among military awards, worn after national orders

Croix de Guerre (Vichy), Valor decoration, Vichy France medal

History

In March 1941, Marshal Philippe Pétain created a new version of the famous French War Cross. The Vichy government wanted its own award to replace the standard 1939 French Republic cross. It kept the traditional cross shape but swapped the ribbon to green and black stripes instead of red and green.

The medal had the years 1939–1940 stamped on the back. It was awarded to Vichy soldiers, sailors, and airmen who fought during the Battle of France and in clashes defending French colonies.

After France was liberated by Allied forces in 1944, General Charles de Gaulle and the Free French government canceled this medal. It was declared illegal to wear because it came from the collaborationist regime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War IIBattle of FranceSyria-Lebanon Campaign

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Jean-Pierre Delaunay, including Vichy Colonial Medal, Croix de Guerre (Vichy), Order of the Francisque, Croix du Combattant 1939–1940 (Vichy), Commemorative Medal for Syria-Cilicia with 'Levant 1941' Clasp, Medal of Merit for Black Africa, Croix de Guerre for the Legion of French Volunteers, Order of Work Merit (Vichy), Badge of the Milice Française, Wounded Insignia (Vichy Issue), shown against a light Vichy France flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWII

Vichy Colonial Medal Croix de Guerre (Vichy) Order of the Francisque+7

Jean-Pierre Delaunay

Who Was Jean-Pierre Delaunay?

A French military officer who served under the Vichy regime and with the LVF.

Vichy France1941-1943

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Sources

Back to Vichy France