Cross of the resistance volunteer combatant

The Cross of the resistance volunteer combatant ("Croix du combattant volontaire de la Résistance") is a French decoration that recognizes, as its name implies, those who fought in one of the resistance groups, or have been deported or interned for acts of the Resistance, or have been killed or injured in acts of resistance during World War II.

History
This award was created in 1954 and awarded to those who had been designated and issued cards certifying them as voluntary resistance fighters.

Description of the medal
A cross with four arms in bronze, 36 mm wide. Engraved by Frédéric de Vernon.

On the obverse: a Cross of Lorraine superimposed on top of the cross.

On the reverse: is the inscription: Combattant volontaire résistance.

Eligibility
The Croix du combattant volontaire de la Résistance was created to honor those who voluntarily participated in acts of resistance, or by participating with a recognized resistance group, during which they put their lives at risk. It was issued to all cardholders of voluntary resistance fighter (created in 1949), which itself is obtained using the following criteria:


 * Holders of the a card Resistant-Deported or Interned-Resistant.
 * Those executed, killed or injured in an act of resistance.
 * Those who were members of a resistance group, recognized as a fighting unit and who actually fought at least 90 days in the French Forces Combattantes (FFC) or French Forces of the Interior ( FFI) or the French Resistance Interior (RFI).
 * The people who have belonged for 90 days before June 6, 1944, the FFC, FFI, or RFI in an area occupied by the enemy, and have affidavits from two persons well known for their activity in the French Resistance.

The Croix du Combattant Volontaire de la Résistance is not considered a war decoration, but is taken into account when reviewing applications for, firstly, the Croix du combattant volontaire 1939–1945 and, secondly, the rank of Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur (for quotas reserved for former resistance).