- Time Period: World War II
- Institution: 21 October 1963
- Country: France
The Recusant’s Insignia is a French medal to honour French citizens who had evaded the Compulsory Work Service (S.T.O.) in Germany and who had therefore participated in the fight against the invader.
The law of August 22, 1950, establishing the status of “recusant”, stated in its first article: “The Republic, grateful to those who accepted all the risks in their fight against the enemy’s war potential, considering the suffering and the prejudice that this courageous and patriotic attitude caused them, proclaimed and determined the right to reparation for recusants and their successors“.
The Recusant’s Insignia Design
The design of the Recusant’s Insignia was decided by a contest opened by a decree of 17 July 1961 and won by artist engraver M. Hollebecq.
The Recusant’s Insignia measures 36 mm in diameter, is circular and struck from bronze or gilt bronze. Its obverse bears the relief image of a map of France, a broken anvil at its center symbolizes the refusal to work. Above the map, a Cross of Lorraine symbolizing hope and support for the oppressed. On either side, the relief initials “R” and “F” for République Française, and at the bottom the relief semi-circular inscription J’AI LIVRÉ UN BON COMBAT. On the reverse, the circular relief inscription along the top ¾ of the medal circumference AUX RÉFRACTAIRES GUERRE 1939 – 1945.
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