The French Medaille de la Resistance (Resistance Medal) was awarded by General Charles de Gaulle "to recognise the remarkable acts of faith and of courage that, in France, in the empire and abroad, have contributed to the resistance of the French people against the enemy and against its accomplices since June 18, 1940".

The French Medal of Resistance was given to approximately 44,000 living persons and 20,000 posthumously, awarded both for membership of the Free French force and for participation in the metropolitan clandestine Resistance during the German occupation of France in World War II.

The medal is held by red and black cloth with the Cross of Lorraine and the date of the beginning of the German occupation of France in Roman figures: XVIII.VI.MCMXL (18 June 1940). On the reverse are the words "PATRIA NON IMMEMOR" (the fatherland does not forget"). The medal was also awarded to 21 army units, 14 Navy units, 6 towns, schools and hospitals, and to 9 others (including convents).