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Who created the Médaille de la Résistance?

General Charles de Gaulle created this medal in February 1943 while living in London. He was the leader of the Free French movement during World War II. He wanted a special way to honor the brave men and women who fought against the Nazi occupation of France.

Why did any Australians receive a French medal?

A small number of Australians served alongside the French resistance fighters. Some were Royal Australian Air Force pilots who flew dangerous secret missions to drop supplies. Others were intelligence agents who helped downed pilots escape and hide from the enemy.

What symbol is on the front of the medal?

The front of the medal features the Cross of Lorraine. This was the famous symbol of the Free French forces. It stood for hope and freedom for the people of France during the dark years of the war.

Could cities or units earn this award?

Yes, the medal was not just for single people. Entire towns, schools, and military units could earn it for their bravery. These groups often risked everything to protect their communities and fight back against the occupying forces.

Is this medal still being awarded to new people today?

No, the official time for giving out this award ended in 1947. That was shortly after World War II finished. Today, it remains a very special honor that represents the spirit of defiance and courage during the liberation of France.

Who created the Médaille de la Résistance?

General Charles de Gaulle created this medal in February 1943 while living in London. He was the leader of the Free French movement during World War II. He wanted a special way to honor the brave men and women who fought against the Nazi occupation of France.

Why did any Australians receive a French medal?

A small number of Australians served alongside the French resistance fighters. Some were Royal Australian Air Force pilots who flew dangerous secret missions to drop supplies. Others were intelligence agents who helped downed pilots escape and hide from the enemy.

What symbol is on the front of the medal?

The front of the medal features the Cross of Lorraine. This was the famous symbol of the Free French forces. It stood for hope and freedom for the people of France during the dark years of the war.

Could cities or units earn this award?

Yes, the medal was not just for single people. Entire towns, schools, and military units could earn it for their bravery. These groups often risked everything to protect their communities and fight back against the occupying forces.

Is this medal still being awarded to new people today?

No, the official time for giving out this award ended in 1947. That was shortly after World War II finished. Today, it remains a very special honor that represents the spirit of defiance and courage during the liberation of France.

Home Library FranceMédaille de la Résistance

Valor decoration

Médaille de la Résistance

This French decoration honored people who showed great courage while resisting enemy occupation during the liberation of France.

France Established 1943 All servicesPrecedence: Worn in the foreign decorations section of Australian honors, following all Australian and Commonwealth medals.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for remarkable acts of courage, faith, and dedication in the resistance against foreign occupying forces.

Eligibility

Members of the French Resistance and foreign allies who took part in liberating France during World War II.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn in the foreign decorations section of Australian honors, following all Australian and Commonwealth medals.

Médaille de la Résistance, Valor decoration, France medal

History

General Charles de Gaulle established the Médaille de la Résistance in February 1943 in London. At that time, France was occupied by Nazi Germany, and de Gaulle led the Free French movement from exile. He wanted a special medal to honor individuals and communities who risked everything to undermine the enemy and liberate their homeland.

Recipients included French underground fighters, covert radio operators, saboteurs, and international allies who assisted the French Resistance. A small number of Australians, including Royal Australian Air Force airmen and secret intelligence operatives who aided escape networks or flew covert missions into occupied France, received this decoration.

Awarding of the medal was officially halted for most recipients in 1947, except for limited posthumous awards and special cases. It remains one of the most respected honors of wartime France, symbolizing defiance and courage in the face of tyranny.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War II

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Nancy Wake, including George Medal, Medal of Freedom, Médaille de la Résistance, Croix de Guerre, shown against a light France flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWII

George Medal Medal of Freedom Médaille de la Résistance+1

Nancy Wake

Who Was the 'White Mouse' of the French Resistance?

Nancy Wake was a daring SOE agent and French Resistance leader who evaded the Gestapo to become one of the most decorated women of World War II.

New Zealander/Australian1944

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Sources

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