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Croix de guerre 1939-1945 (France)

The Croix de guerre 1939-1945 (French for "Cross of War") is a French military decoration created in September 26, 1939, to honour people who fought with the Allies against the Axis force at any time during World War II.

Recipients

The recipients were pretty various according to the large line of war zone :

• the one who fought during the Battle of France
• the one who fought with the French Forces of the Interior
• the one who fought with the Free French Forces
  • on the Western Front,
  • on the Middle East Theatre
  • on the Mediterranean Theatre
  • during the African campaigns

On every "Croix de guerre", there is at least one mention, this one is awarded for gallantry to any member of the French military or its allies. The degree shows the importance of the former warriors role during the World War II : the lowest degree is represented by a bronze star while the highest degree is represented by a bronze palm. On a "Croix de guerre", the number of mentions are not limited.

Militaria insignia

• Medal : it was designed by the sculptor Paul-Albert Bartholomé. It is 37 mm large and there are four arms and two swords criss-crossed. In the center of the front side, we have the profile of the French Republic crested by a Phrygian cap. Around this portrait, we can read « République française » (French Republic). On the back of the medal, there are the dates of the conflict : 1939-1940, 1939-1945, or simply 1940 .
• Ribbon : red on the back crossed with four green lines in its center

Acknowledgements

• 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 for those who had been mentioned at the regiment or brigade level.
  • a silver star, for those who had been mentioned at the division level.
  • a silver gilt star for those who had been mentioned at the corps level.
  • a bronze palm for those who had been mentioned at the army level.
  • a silver palm represents five bronze ones.
  • a silver gilt palm for those who had been mentioned at the Free French Forces level (World War II only).

The mentions 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.

See also

• Ribbons of the French military and civil awards
• Croix de guerre
• Croix de guerre 1914-1918
• Croix de guerre des Théatres d'Opérations Exterieures