Order of Liberation

The Order of Liberation (French: Ordre de la Libération, pronounced [ɔʁdʁ(ə) də la libeʁɑsjɔ̃]) is a French Order which was awarded to heroes of the Liberation of France during World War II. It is a worn by recipients only before the Légion d’Honneur (Legion of Honour). In the official portrait of General de Gaulle as President, he wore the grand collar of the Order and not the grand collar of the Légion d'Honneur, hence signifying the preeminence of the Order ahead of the Légion d'Honneur. Individuals (nationals and foreigners such as the Sultan of Morocco), cities and military units were awarded it upon the sole decision of De Gaulle for feats of heroism in the French Resistance, the Forces Françaises Libres and the Armée d'Afrique; and only for their deeds during World War II. To date it is the only French royal, imperial or republican chivalry order that became extinct with the death of its last member. The youngest Companion, assassinated by the Germans, was only 16 years of age. Another decoration, the Médaille de la Résistance ("Resistance Medal"), was created and awarded for lesser but still distinguished deeds by members of the Resistance.