- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Général de brigade
- Awarded on:
- October 2nd, 1945
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as President of the Provisional Government of the French Republic and Commander-in-Chief of France's armed forces during World War II.
GENERAL CHARLES DE GAULLE, President of the Provisional Government of the French Republic and Commander-in-Chief of France's armed forces, performed distinguished services by maintaining his nation's effort in the struggle against the common enemy in Europe. From the chaos which followed the unleashing of the aggressor states' military power he emerged to keep bright the flame of liberty among his countrymen, to rally them in the cause of freedom, to merge their revived strength with the growing might of the United Nations. In victory he returned to his native soil, there to rebuild on firm principles a nation rededicated to liberty, equality and fraternity."
War Department, General Orders No. 83. The presentation was made by the President in a ceremony at the White House.