Commemorative medal for voluntary service in Free France
Award / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Commemorative medal for voluntary service in Free France?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
The Commemorative medal for voluntary service in Free France (French: Médaille commémorative des services volontaires dans la France libre) was a French commemorative war medal established by decree on 4 April 1946 on the 1945 proposition of general Edgard de Larminat to the Minister to the armies.[1]
Commemorative medal for voluntary service in Free France | |
---|---|
Type | Commemorative war medal |
Awarded for | Service in the Free French Forces prior to 1 August 1943 |
Presented by | France |
Eligibility | French and foreign nationals |
Status | No longer awarded |
Established | 4 April 1946 |
Last awarded | 3 July 1958 |
Total | 13,469 |
Precedence | |
Next (higher) | Medal of French Gratitude |
Next (lower) | United Nations operations in Korea commemorative medal |
The general proposed the creation of a distinctive award for the members of the Free French Forces who fought the Axis forces on most fronts during World War II. Beginning with a modest 7,000 men in July 1940, the Free French Forces had grown to approximately 70,000 by June 1942[1] and were especially active in North Africa, where they particularly distinguished themselves during the Battle of Bir Hakeim. These forces would later form the nucleus of the 1st Free French Division which distinguished itself in the Italian campaign of 1944 under general Koenig and of the 2nd Armoured Division in the liberation of Paris under general Leclerc.[2]
Also, part of the whole, the Free French Naval Forces and Free French Air Force, although limited in numbers and equipment nonetheless took part in most major engagements alongside allied forces including in the Soviet Union.[1] Free French Forces had grown to over half a million by 1944 and numbered well over a million in 1945, they were instrumental in the final liberation of their country and participated in the invasion of Nazi Germany.[2]