Just over Companions survived the war. Nearly three quarters of Companions of the Liberation were members of Free France and one quarter members of the Internal Resistance. Companions of the Liberation came from a wide variety of social, religious and political backgrounds.
Their numbers included students, military personnel, engineers, peasants, manufacturers, men of letters, diplomats, workers, members of the clergy, African infantrymen, magistrates and doctors. The Order counts a significant proportion of military personnel. Some of these were in active service at the time, but many were reservists and military volunteers. Companions of the Liberation numbers include officers including 23 general officers , non-commissioned officers and 45 enlisted members.
Six women have received the Cross of Liberation:. Some of those who sacrificed their lives included:. The Decree of 29 January stipulated that foreigners who had rendered valuable services to the Free France cause were able receive the Cross of Liberation and would be considered members of the Order.
Some of the more famous names include:. After the war, some Companions held key leadership positions, both in the civil sector and within the armed forces, and twenty of them served in ministerial roles. Engineers, jurists, doctors or manufacturers:. Etched in the year was also the name General Delestraint. Find a Companion of the Liberation. Find a medalist of the French Resistance. Rechercher dans les collections.
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