The Defence Medal 1940–1945 () is the award rewarded to those military and civilian personnel who participated in the fight against the German
invasion
An invasion is a Offensive (military), military offensive of combatants of one geopolitics, geopolitical Legal entity, entity, usually in large numbers, entering territory (country subdivision), territory controlled by another similar entity, ...
and
occupation of Norway between 1940 and 1945.
The Defence Medal 1940–1945
can be awarded both to
Norwegian and foreign citizens. The medal may still be awarded due to the large number of participants in the defence of Norway during
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 ...
and the difficulties tracking down all eligible recipients.
The medal is in bronze. On the obverse is the coat of arms with the inscription . On the reverse is the royal flag, the flag and national flag. Above these a narrow circle with the inscription (Participant in the struggle). The image is surrounded by a chain. The band is in the Norwegian national colors. The band can be fitted with a
rosette if the recipient has distinguished himself several times. The medal is made by the goldsmith firm of
J. Tostrup in
Oslo
Oslo ( or ; ) is the capital and most populous city of Norway. It constitutes both a county and a municipality. The municipality of Oslo had a population of in 2022, while the city's greater urban area had a population of 1,064,235 in 2022 ...
.
''Deltakermedaljen'' (Norwegian war medals)
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As of 2017, the Defence Medal 1940–1945 ranks as 23rd of the Norwegian decorations.[
]
Qualification details
The medal was awarded to those meeting one of the following criteria:Norwegian armed forces
The Norwegian Armed Forces () are the armed forces responsible for the defence of Norway. It consists of five branches, the Norwegian Army, the Royal Norwegian Navy, which includes the Norwegian Coast Guard, Coast Guard, the Royal Norwegian Air ...
and merchant fleet outside of Norway for four months or more (awarded for less than four months service if one served in units that moved to Norway as part of the liberation).
* Taking part in the campaign in Finnmark (winter 1944-45) for one month or more.
* Allied soldiers who took part in the liberation of Norway and served for one month or more.
* Service in the resistance forces for four months or more.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Defence Medal 1940-1945
Military awards and decorations of Norway
Awards established in 1945
1945 establishments in Norway