Belgian Armed Resistance Medal 1940–1945 (Medaille van de Gewapende Weerstand)

Original Belgian Armed Resistance Medal 1940–1945 (“Medaille van de Gewapende Weerstand”) (Médaille de la Résistance Armée 1940–1945). The Armed Resistance Medal 1940–1945 was a Belgian wartime decoration established by decree of the Prince Regent on 16 February 1946. It was awarded to members of the Belgian Resistance and intelligence agents who took part in armed operations in occupied territory during the Second World War. The medal could be awarded posthumously, honoring those who lost their lives in the struggle against occupation. Design & Characteristics The decoration is a 39 mm round bronze medal, rich in symbolic detail. Obverse:A raised image of the left-profile torso of a woman, her gaze turned to the right, her right fist clenched — a powerful symbol of defiance against the will of the occupier. Reverse:The inscription: “1940” – “RESISTERE” – “1945” arranged in three lines and surrounded by a laurel wreath running along the full rim of the medal. The Latin word Resistere (“to resist”) emphasizes the spirit of armed resistance. Ribbon & Symbolism The medal is suspended from a ring passing through a lateral barrel-shaped suspension at the top. The ribbon colors carry strong symbolic meaning: Green – Hope for liberation Red – Blood shed by resistance fighters Black – The dark days of occupation and the clandestine nature of the resistance A highly significant and historically charged decoration, essential for collectors of Belgian WWII militaria and resistance memorabilia.