Awards of
World War IIThe French award, the Volunteer Cross 1939-1945 (French: "Croix du combattant volontaire"), was created for those who volunteered to serve in combat units during World War II. The award was created in analogy with the award for World War I, the Volunteer Cross 1914-1918.
The award was established at the request of a veterans' association on February 4, 1953, and supplemented by a decree on November 19, 1955. Until 1983, the award was called the "Volunteer Cross 1939-1945," but then changed its name to the simpler "Volunteer Cross." The combat actions for which the medal was awarded were now indicated on the clasp bar.
There are five types of clasp bars:
War 1939-1945 (Guerre 1939–1945);
Indochina (Indochine);
Korea (Corée);
North Africa (Afrique du Nord);
External Operations (Missions extérieures).
The Volunteer Cross is intended for those who voluntarily participated in an armed conflict during which their lives were in danger. To qualify for this award, a candidate had to provide proof of voluntarily transferring to a combat unit, although due to age or other circumstances, they should have served in support units or been exempted from service altogether.
The award is a bronze cross with diverging rays, 36 mm wide. On the obverse, a medallion engraved around the center reads "REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE" (French Republic). At the center of the medallion is the head of an infantryman wearing a World War I helmet. A sword is superimposed vertically on the cross, and the arms of the cross are decorated with raised laurel and oak leaves.
On the reverse of the award, in the center of the medallion is a laurel branch surrounded by the inscription "COMBATTANT VOLONTAIRE 1939-1945" (Volunteer 1939-1945). In the post-1983 version, the date was removed from the inscription. The arms of the volunteer cross are covered with oak and laurel leaves.
The award is attached to a red ribbon with a loop and ring, with yellow stripes 4 mm long, 1 mm from the edge, and a wide 7 mm green stripe in the center.