Volunteer Combatant's Cross 1914–1918
| Volunteer Combatant's Cross 1914–1918 | |
|---|---|
Obverse bar of the Volunteer combatant's cross 1914–1918 | |
| Type | Medal |
| Awarded for | Volunteers for the war 1914–1918 |
| Presented by | France |
| Established | 4 July 1935 |
Ribbon of the Volunteer combatant's cross 1914–1918 | |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Escapees' Medal |
| Next (lower) | Croix du combattant volontaire 1939–1945 |
The Volunteer Combatant's Cross 1914–1918 (French: "Croix du Combattant Volontaire 1914–1918") is a French decoration that recognizes those who volunteered to serve on the front in a combat unit during World War I. When the 1914–1918 Commemorative war medal (France) (French: "Médaille commémorative de la guerre 1914–1918") was established, it was anticipated that a clasp bearing the words, "ENGAGÉ VOLONTAIRE" (English: "VOLUNTEER ENLISTEE"), would be worn on its ribbon for those who had freely and voluntarily enlisted in the French Armed Forces for combat service. While the clasp was produced, it was short-lived due to parliament demanding the establishment of a special insignia to distinguish the special merit of the voluntary combatant.
The Act of 4 July 1935 created the Croix du Combattant Volontaire, designated for those who volunteered to serve on the front in a combat unit during the Great War.