The Law of 13 July 2018 relating to military planning propelled the Order of Liberation into the future by conferring on it a new global mission (while retaining its traditional missions): to develop the spirit of defence through the commitment of the Companions of the Liberation.

Army units began to form following the appeal of 18 June 1940. These were mainly simple battalions or even simple companies, which, as the territories rallied and new volunteers came in, were gradually transformed into regiments.

Free France's air arm – the Free French Air Forces (FAFL) – was officially created on 1 July 1940. But its structured units, which each bore the name of a French province, did not truly emerge until the summer of 1941. Six of them bear the title of Companion of the Liberation.

Free France's naval arm – the Free French Naval Forces (FAFL) – was created on 1 July 1940. For exceptional feats in action, three of its units, two vessels and the First Regiment of Fusiliers Marins received the Cross of Liberation.

Now discontinued, the Order of Liberation was established by General de Gaulle on 16 November 1940. Presented to 1,038 women and men, the Cross of Liberation was awarded according to a well-defined procedure and criteria.

The Order of the Liberation has evolved since its creation on November 16, 1940. Today, it is a national public administrative establishment placed under the authority of the Ministry of the Armed Forces.

The Law of 13 July 2018 relating to military planning propelled the Order of Liberation into the future by conferring on it a new global mission (while retaining its traditional missions): to develop the spirit of defence through the commitment of the Companions of the Liberation.

Five French communes are Companions of the Liberation. The Order of Liberation is “intended to reward civilian and military communities or individuals who distinguish themselves in efforts to liberate France and the French Empire”.

Paris, whose quote reads: "Capital faithful to itself and to France", received the Cross of Liberation on March 24, 1945.

The village of Vassieux-en-Vercors received the Cross of the Liberation on August 4, 1945. 72 of its inhabitants were massacred and all of its houses burned by a ruthless enemy.