History

The Volunteer Combatant’s Cross was awarded to recipients of the Commemorative Medal of the War 1939-1945 with an “ENGAGE VOLONTAIRE” clasp and a Combatant Card who served for at least 90 days in the Second World War.

The Cross was not awarded from September 31, 1970 to September 21, 1976, but in 1981, it was reorganized to reward volunteer combatants in other conflicts. The Cross was renamed the Volunteer Combatant’s Cross, whose recipients were distinguished by nickel silver ribbon clasps. The following clasps were introduced in 1981: “GUERRE 1939-1945” (War 1939-1945), “INDOCHINE” (Indochina), “COREE” (Korea). In 1988 an “AFRIQUE DU NORD” (North Africa) clasp was created. In 2007 a “MISSIONS EXTERIEURES” (Foreign Missions) clasp was created. The recipients of the Volunteer Combatant’s Cross with must have a Combatant’s Card.

There are two versions of the Cross which correspond to the reorganization of the award. The first version is inscribed “1939-1945” while all dates are omitted from the current version.

There may be additional versions that vary in size or composition.