Croix de guerre 1939–1945 (France)

Award statute

Due to the large extent of the war zone, recipients included various groups:

those who fought during the Battle of France

those who fought with the French Forces of the Interior

those who fought with the Free French Forces

those who fought on the Western Front,

those who fought in the Middle East Theater

those who fought in the Mediterranean Theater

those who fought in the African campaigns

On every Croix de guerre, there is at least one ribbon device, either in the shape of a palm or of a star, and fashioned from either bronze, silver or gilded silver. The relative importance of the six possible combinations is detailed below. The total number of devices on a "Croix de guerre" is not limited.

Award description

Medal

The medal was designed by the sculptor Paul-Albert Bartholomé. It is 37 mm in size and is in the shape of a Maltese cross with two swords criss-crossed through the center. In the center of the front, is the profile of the French Republic crested by a Phrygian cap. Around this portrait, are the words République française ("French Republic"). On the reverse of the medal are the dates of the conflict : 1939–1940, 1939–1945, or simply 1940.

Ribbon

red background crossed with four green lines in its center.

Award grades

Mentioned in Despatches : the lowest degree is represented by a bronze star while the highest degree is represented by a bronze palm:

a bronze star (étoile en bronze) for those who had been mentioned at the regiment or brigade level.

a silver star (étoile en argent), for those who had been mentioned at the division level.

a silver-gilt star (étoile en vermeil), for those who had been mentioned at the corps level.

a bronze palm (palme en bronze), for those who had been mentioned at the army level.

a silver palm (palme en argent), represents five bronze ones.

a silver-gilt palm (palme en vermeil), for those who had been mentioned at the Free French Forces level (World War II only).

The clasps are awarded for gallantry to any member of the French military or its allies and are, depending on the degree, roughly the equivalent for U.S. Bronze Star and Silver Star or UK Military Cross and Military Medal.