WW2 Liberation of France Medal

The 1939–1945 Commemorative war medal was awarded to all soldiers serving under French authority or under a French government in a state of war against the Axis nations, or present on board a warship or armed merchant vessel under these same authorities and/or governments; to French citizens, whether military or civilian, who fought against the Axis forces or their representatives; to the foreign military who served as Frenchmen in formations at war against the Axis forces.[1]

A 1949 decree further added the members of the French passive resistance as potential recipients of the 1939–1945 Commemorative war medal.[2]

Twelve operational theatre clasps can be worn on the ribbon:

FRANCE (English: FRANCE) for operations between 3 September 1939 and 25 June 1940;

NORVÈGE (English: NORWAY) for operations between 12 April 1940 and 17 June 1940;

AFRIQUE (English: AFRICA) for operations between 25 June 1940 and 13 May 1943;

LIBÉRATION (English: LIBERATION) for operations in Corsica or in the French Campaign between 25 June 1940 and 8 May 1945;

ALLEMAGNE (English: GERMANY) for operations between 14 September 1944 and 8 May 1945;

EXTRÊME-ORIENT (English: FAR EAST) for operations (including in the Indian and Pacific oceans) between 7 December 1941 and 15 August 1945;

GRANDE-BRETAGNE (English: GREAT BRITAIN) for operations between 25 June 1940 and 8 May 1945;

URSS (English: USSR) for operations in Normandy fighter wing between 28 November 1942 and 8 May 1945;

ATLANTIQUE (English: ATLANTIC) for naval operations between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945;

MANCHE (English: ENGLISH CHANNEL) for naval operations between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945;

MER DU NORD (English: NORTH SEA) for naval operations between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945;

MÉDITERRANÉE (English: MEDITERRANEAN) for naval operations between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945.