Medal for the War Wounded
The Medal for the War Wounded was originally a mere insignia in the form of an ribbon awarded for wounds received in the line of duty while facing an enemy. The insignia was established by the law of 11 December 1916, based on an idea by the nationalist writer Maurice Barrès. Although originally established as a temporary measure, the insignia survived for a century in some form or another. It could be awarded to wounded soldiers, prisoners of war, to World War II deportees and internees from the French resistance and to soldiers wounded in more recent conflicts. A variety of unofficial medals in the form of a red enamelled star suspended by the same ribbon appeared very early on and although tolerated for wear by the authorities, were not official until recently.
Obverse
World War II fighter ace Pierre Clostermann, a recipient of the Insigne des blessés militaires
Image: Medaille des blesses 1er type
Image: Indochine insigne des blessés France AVERS
The Resistance Medal was a decoration bestowed by the French Committee of National Liberation, based in the United Kingdom, during World War II. It was established by a decree of General Charles de Gaulle on 9 February 1943 "to recognize the remarkable acts of faith and of courage that, in France, in the empire and abroad, have contributed to the resistance of the French people against the enemy and against its accomplices since 18 June 1940".
The Resistance medal with rosette (obverse). The red stripes in this sample have faded to a lighter color due to the passage of time.
Reverse of the Resistance medal
Free French Officer and OSS Agent René Joyeuse, a recipient of the Resistance medal with rosette
Resistance member Léo Figuères, a recipient of the Resistance medal