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What is the Dutch name of this cross?

In the Dutch language, this medal is known as the Verzetsherdenkingskruis. This name is very special because it directly honors the resistance fighters. It is a reminder of the long and difficult struggle to bring freedom back to the Netherlands during World War II.

Why was the cross created so long after World War II?

Queen Juliana created this medal in December 1980 to mark the 35th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. Many secret fighters did not get the proper honor for their brave work right after the war ended in 1945. This medal was finally made to make sure these hidden heroes were recognized for their important roles in the fight.

What is written on the arms of the cross?

The medal displays the Dutch words 'De Tyrannie Verdrijven' on its arms. This powerful motto translates to 'To Expel the Tyranny' in English. These words describe exactly why the resistance groups worked so hard to push the enemy out and regain their country's freedom.

Did women receive this medal?

Yes, many brave women played a huge part in the secret fight against the enemy during the war. They performed dangerous tasks like hiding Jewish families, moving secret messages, and helping Allied airmen escape to safety. Because of their vital work in the resistance, these women were honored with the medal.

What colors make up the ribbon?

The ribbon for this medal is made of black, red, and orange stripes. The black color remembers the sadness and loss of the war years. The red color honors the great courage of the fighters, while the bright orange represents the spirit of the Dutch people and their freedom.

What is the Dutch name of this cross?

In the Dutch language, this medal is known as the Verzetsherdenkingskruis. This name is very special because it directly honors the resistance fighters. It is a reminder of the long and difficult struggle to bring freedom back to the Netherlands during World War II.

Why was the cross created so long after World War II?

Queen Juliana created this medal in December 1980 to mark the 35th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. Many secret fighters did not get the proper honor for their brave work right after the war ended in 1945. This medal was finally made to make sure these hidden heroes were recognized for their important roles in the fight.

What is written on the arms of the cross?

The medal displays the Dutch words 'De Tyrannie Verdrijven' on its arms. This powerful motto translates to 'To Expel the Tyranny' in English. These words describe exactly why the resistance groups worked so hard to push the enemy out and regain their country's freedom.

Did women receive this medal?

Yes, many brave women played a huge part in the secret fight against the enemy during the war. They performed dangerous tasks like hiding Jewish families, moving secret messages, and helping Allied airmen escape to safety. Because of their vital work in the resistance, these women were honored with the medal.

What colors make up the ribbon?

The ribbon for this medal is made of black, red, and orange stripes. The black color remembers the sadness and loss of the war years. The red color honors the great courage of the fighters, while the bright orange represents the spirit of the Dutch people and their freedom.

Home Library NetherlandsResistance Memorial Cross

Distinguished service decoration

Resistance Memorial Cross

The Resistance Memorial Cross honors the brave men and women of the underground resistance during World War II.

Netherlands Established 1980 Resistance fighters and auxiliary forcesPrecedence: Worn following active-duty valor crosses and before military campaign medals

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for participating in organized underground resistance against the occupying forces during World War II.

Eligibility

Members of recognized Dutch domestic resistance organizations and evasion networks between 1940 and 1945.

Branch

Resistance fighters and auxiliary forces

Precedence

Worn following active-duty valor crosses and before military campaign medals

Resistance Memorial Cross, Distinguished service decoration, Netherlands medal

History

Queen Juliana created the Resistance Memorial Cross in December 1980, marking the 35th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. It was established to honor underground resistance members who fought Nazi German tyranny but had not received earlier valor decorations.

Members of the Dutch resistance risked everything to publish illegal newspapers, rescue stranded Allied airmen, hide Jewish families, and disrupt enemy rail transports. Because resistance groups operated in secret, many members went unrecognized right after the war.

Thousands of surviving veterans applied for and received the medal during the 1980s. It stands as an enduring tribute to ordinary citizens who picked up weapons or aided the underground to restore Dutch independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War II

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Peter van den Berg, including Army Operational Service Medal, Resistance Memorial Cross, Commemorative Medal for Peace Operations, Cross for Justice and Freedom, shown against a light Netherlands flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Afghanistan

Army Operational Service Medal Resistance Memorial Cross Commemorative Medal for Peace Operations+1

Peter van den Berg

How Did Dutch Troops Serve in Recent Conflicts?

A Dutch officer serving in modern peacekeeping and operational roles.

Netherlands2006-05-01

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Sources

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