Mort pour la France (, lit. 'died for France') is a legal expression in France and an honour awarded to people who died during a conflict, usually in service of the country.

Definition

The term is defined in L.488 to L.492 (bis) of the Code des pensions militaires d'invalidité et des victimes de guerre. It applied to members of the French military forces who died in action or from an injury or an illness contracted during service during the First and Second World Wars, the Indochina and Algeria Wars, and fighting in Morocco and the Tunisian War of Independence, as well as to civilians killed during these conflicts. Both French citizens and volunteers of other citizenship are eligible to be honored.

Administration

The words "Mort pour la France" are recorded on the death certificate. The status is awarded by Additionally the diploma «Aux morts de la grande guerre, la patrie reconnaissante» is awarded to the family of This diploma is awarded by the minister responsible for veterans and war victims.

Copyright

French copyright law gives a special 30 years extension of copyright to creative artists declared "Mort pour la France" over the usual 70 years post mortem (article L. 123-10).

Writers

List of writers officially declared "Mort pour la France".

Composers

List of composers officially declared "Mort pour la France".

Resistance fighters

List of resistance fighters officially declared "Mort pour la France"

Others

Others officially declared "Mort pour la France".