The Medal of Recognition 1940–1945 (

Dutch Dutch or Nederlands commonly refers to: * Something of, from, or related to the Netherlands ** Dutch people as an ethnic group () ** Dutch nationality law, history and regulations of Dutch citizenship () ** Dutch language () * In specific terms, i ...

: ''Erkentelijkheidsmedaille 1940–1945'') was a medal of the

Kingdom of the Netherlands The Kingdom of the Netherlands (, ;, , ), commonly known simply as the Netherlands, is a sovereign state consisting of a collection of constituent territories united under the monarch of the Netherlands, who functions as head of state. The re ...

that was established by

Royal Decree A decree is a legal proclamation, usually issued by a head of state, judge, royal figure, or other relevant authorities, according to certain procedures. These procedures are usually defined by the constitution, Legislative laws, or customary l ...

on 9 February 1946. The decoration was of two classes, silver and bronze, and was awarded to those who aided the Dutch during the period of

World War II World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...

, or afterwards helped relieve those who had suffered from the German occupation.

Design

The decoration was designed as a circular medal 29 millimetres in diameter and exists in two classes, silver and bronze. On the front

Androcles Androcles (, alternatively spelled Androclus in Latin) is the main character of a common folk tale about a man befriending a lion. The tale is included in the Aarne–Thompson classification system as type 156. The story reappeared in the M ...

is portrayed taking the thorn from the lion's paw. The choice of motif was guided by the fact that the lion is the royal emblem of the Netherlands and the story was once commonly cited as an example of enduring gratitude. The inscription round the front edge reads ''SIBI BENEFACIT QUI BENEFACIT AMICO'' (

Latin Latin ( or ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic languages, Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally spoken by the Latins (Italic tribe), Latins in Latium (now known as Lazio), the lower Tiber area aroun ...

for 'He benefits himself who benefits a friend'). On the reverse of the medal the inscription reads ''POPULUS BATAVUS GRATO ANIMO'' (Latin for 'With the gratitude of the Dutch people'). The medal's ribbon is orange with a broad white stripe down the middle, on which there is a small silver or bronze crown according to class. Orders, decorations, and medals of the Netherlands Awards established in 1946 1946 establishments in the Netherlands {{Netherlands-stub