994 - The 1940 Cross of the Hare, a whimsical and satirical military decoration awarded to soldiers who fled the fighting in 1940. Made of silver-plated metal. In the center, a hare holding an umbrella remarks about a soldier, “He runs faster than I do.” On the arms of the cross, at the top, is a sign pointing toward Montpellier, and on the sides and at the bottom is the inscription “Croix du Lievre 1940.” On the reverse, a caricatured soldier fleeing and the inscription “Awarded to cowards May 10–28.” Original ball clasp, ring, and ribbon. A rare piece, with patina. Hare Cross of 1940, a fanciful satirical military decoration awarded to soldiers who fled the fighting in 1940. Silver-plated metal. At the center, a hare holding an umbrella says of a soldier, “He runs faster than I do.” The arms feature a sign pointing toward Montpellier at the top and the inscription “Croix du Lievre 1940” on the sides and bottom. The reverse depicts a caricatured soldier fleeing and bears the inscription “Awarded to cowards, May 10–28.” Ball suspension, ring, and original ribbon. Uncommon piece with patina.