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What did the front of the medal show?

The front of the bronze medal showed an outline map of the African continent. A traditional tribal sword was placed right over the center of the map. This design was created to celebrate the bravery and strength of the local soldiers who served the Vichy government.

Why was this medal created?

The Vichy government officially started this award on June 24, 1941. During World War II, many French colonies in Africa had to choose between two different leaders. This medal was a way for the Vichy government to thank the soldiers who stayed loyal and obedient to them during the war.

What was shown on the back?

The back of the medal featured a large, heavy anchor. This symbol was chosen to represent the power of the French Navy, which helped control these faraway lands. It showed that the navy was very important for protecting the coastlines during the fighting.

Where were these soldiers serving?

These soldiers were stationed in places like French Somaliland, French Equatorial Africa, and the big island of Madagascar. They were tasked with protecting these lands while the French army was split during the war. These troops had to guard the territory against attacks from rival forces.

Is this medal still recognized?

No, this medal is not used anymore. In 1944, the new Free French government canceled all of the medals that had been created by the Vichy leaders. Because of this change, the medal is no longer considered an official honor.

What did the front of the medal show?

The front of the bronze medal showed an outline map of the African continent. A traditional tribal sword was placed right over the center of the map. This design was created to celebrate the bravery and strength of the local soldiers who served the Vichy government.

Why was this medal created?

The Vichy government officially started this award on June 24, 1941. During World War II, many French colonies in Africa had to choose between two different leaders. This medal was a way for the Vichy government to thank the soldiers who stayed loyal and obedient to them during the war.

What was shown on the back?

The back of the medal featured a large, heavy anchor. This symbol was chosen to represent the power of the French Navy, which helped control these faraway lands. It showed that the navy was very important for protecting the coastlines during the fighting.

Where were these soldiers serving?

These soldiers were stationed in places like French Somaliland, French Equatorial Africa, and the big island of Madagascar. They were tasked with protecting these lands while the French army was split during the war. These troops had to guard the territory against attacks from rival forces.

Is this medal still recognized?

No, this medal is not used anymore. In 1944, the new Free French government canceled all of the medals that had been created by the Vichy leaders. Because of this change, the medal is no longer considered an official honor.

Home Library Vichy FranceMedal of Merit for Black Africa

Merit decoration

Medal of Merit for Black Africa

A bronze decoration awarded to native colonial troops serving the Vichy regime in African territories.

Vichy France Established 1941 All servicesPrecedence: Colonial merit medal ranking

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded to colonial soldiers for meritorious service and loyalty during operations in Africa.

Eligibility

Indigenous colonial troops serving in Vichy-controlled African possessions.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Colonial merit medal ranking

Medal of Merit for Black Africa, Merit decoration, Vichy France medal

History

The Vichy government created the Medal of Merit for Black Africa on June 24, 1941. As colonial territories in Africa chose sides between Charles de Gaulle and Philippe Pétain, the Vichy regime wanted an award to reward native soldiers who stayed obedient to Vichy.

The medal showed an outline map of Africa with an indigenous sword on the front and an anchor on the back. It was awarded to colonial units stationed in places such as French Somaliland, French Equatorial Africa, and Madagascar.

The medal was issued in limited numbers as Vichy steadily lost control of its overseas empire to Allied and Free French forces. It was annulled in 1944 alongside all other Vichy colonial awards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War IIBattle of Madagascar

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