Civilian Disobedience Medal 1940-1945 - red

The Medal for Objectors 1940-1945 – red-stripe version was instituted after the Second World War and awarded to Belgians who, before 6 June 1944, returned to Belgium on leave but refused to go back to Germany to perform compulsory labour. The bronze medal depicts on the obverse the bust of a young man with folded arms, proud and determined. The reverse shows an oak and laurel wreath encircling the inscription “1940-1945”. The medal is suspended from a green moiré ribbon with two vertical red stripes. This version symbolises the courage and determination of those who continued their refusal despite threats and the risk of punishment.