1939-1945 War Commemorative Medal
Medaille Commemorative de la Guerre de 1939-1945

Instituted 21st May 1946, for award to the French Army, Navy and Air Force for service against the Axis nations during WW2. The Free French fighting with allied forces were eligible, also civilians in certain circumstances.
The Medal: an irregular bronze hexagon, maximum dimension 43mm high by 28mm wide approx. Obverse: the cross of Lorraine with a triumphant Gallic coq superimposed, standing on a slipped chain. Reverse the inscription: REPUBLIQUE  FRANCAISE GUERRE 1939 1945 surrounding a small laurel branch.
Ribbon 36mm wide, pale blue with (red bordered) green edge stripes, the centre has a column of small red "V's" for Victory.
16 official white metal bars were issued. The Italy bar was withdrawn upon the institution of the Italy Campaign Medal. Various unofficial bars have been produced in addition to the date bars below.

thirteen campaign bars:

AFRIQUE
ALLEMANGE
ATLANTIQUE
EXTREME-ORIENT
FRANCE
GRANDE-BRETAGNE
ITALIE
LIBERATION
MANCHE
MEDITERRANNEE
MER DU NORD
NORVEGE
U.R.S.S.

three status bars:

BLESSE   (wounded; bar bearing a red enamel star  )
DEFENCE PASSIVE  (civil defence)
ENGAGE VOLONTAIRE   (volunteers)

seven unofficial date bars are also commonly encountered:

1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945.