Awards of
World War IIThe Commemorative Award for the Italian Campaign was created to recognize all those who served in the French Expeditionary Corps in Italy under General Alphonse Juin in 1943-44.
The French Expeditionary Corps participated in the Allied landings and the subsequent campaign in Italy in 1943 and 1944. It consisted of French troops from North Africa and some colonial troops, and distinguished itself in a number of major battles, most notably the Battle of the Garigliano River. The actions of the French Expeditionary Force in Italy restored faith in the resurgence of French troops, both at home and in the eyes of the enemy.
Until 1953, only a clasp to the 1939-1945 War Medal existed, but many felt this was insufficient for such a significant event as the Italian Campaign. In January 1953, work began, and on April 1, 1953, the Italian Campaign Medal of 1943-1944 was created.
According to the statutes, it was awarded to:
- members of the French Expeditionary Corps who set foot on Italian soil (including the island of Elba) between December 1, 1943 and July 25, 1944, regardless of the length of service in a given theater;
- members of the crews of ships that participated in operations on Italian soil and Italian territorial waters between July 26, 1944 and May 8, 1945, regardless of the length of service in a given theater.
On October 10, 1953, amendments were made to the award statutes, according to which the medal could be awarded to a foreign citizen who served under French command and met the above-mentioned Award criteria. These changes also amended the statute of the Commemorative Medal for the War of 1939-45, removing the "Italy" clasp.
The award is made of silver-plated bronze and has a diameter of 36 mm. The obverse features a Gallic rooster in the center, against a backdrop of diverging sunbeams, surrounded by the inscription "CORPS EXPÉDITIONAIRE FRANÇAIS D'ITALIE * 1943-1944 *" (French Expeditionary Corps in Italy *1943-1944*). The medal is framed by a laurel wreath, entwined with a ribbon in four places.
On the reverse, the inscription "CEF" (French Expeditionary Corps) is in the center, with "RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE" (French Republic) encircled. A five-pointed star appears at the bottom of the medallion.
The medal is attached to a 36 mm wide silk moiré ribbon with a ring. The ribbon consists of seven red and six white, equal-width, alternating vertical stripes.