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What is the Danish name for the Army Long Service Medal?

In the Danish language, this medal is known as the Hæderstegn for God Tjeneste ved Hæren. This translates to an award for good service within the army. It is a very special honor that soldiers work toward for a long time.

How many years of service are required to earn the first medal?

A soldier must complete 25 years of honest and good service to earn this award. This is a huge commitment that shows a lifetime of loyalty to the Danish crown. The soldier must perform their duties well throughout these many years to qualify.

What marks 40 years of service on the medal?

If a soldier stays for 40 years, they add a special oak leaf symbol to the ribbon. This little piece of metal shows that the person has served for a very long time. It is a sign of great respect for someone who has spent most of their adult life in the army.

When was this medal founded?

King Christian X created this medal on September 26, 1945. This was right after Denmark was freed at the end of World War II. The army was being rebuilt during this time, and leaders wanted a way to thank soldiers for their faithful work.

Can navy personnel receive this specific medal?

No, navy soldiers cannot get this medal because it is only for the army. The Danish Navy has its own special medal for long service that is much older. The army medal was actually modeled after that older navy award.

What is the Danish name for the Army Long Service Medal?

In the Danish language, this medal is known as the Hæderstegn for God Tjeneste ved Hæren. This translates to an award for good service within the army. It is a very special honor that soldiers work toward for a long time.

How many years of service are required to earn the first medal?

A soldier must complete 25 years of honest and good service to earn this award. This is a huge commitment that shows a lifetime of loyalty to the Danish crown. The soldier must perform their duties well throughout these many years to qualify.

What marks 40 years of service on the medal?

If a soldier stays for 40 years, they add a special oak leaf symbol to the ribbon. This little piece of metal shows that the person has served for a very long time. It is a sign of great respect for someone who has spent most of their adult life in the army.

When was this medal founded?

King Christian X created this medal on September 26, 1945. This was right after Denmark was freed at the end of World War II. The army was being rebuilt during this time, and leaders wanted a way to thank soldiers for their faithful work.

Can navy personnel receive this specific medal?

No, navy soldiers cannot get this medal because it is only for the army. The Danish Navy has its own special medal for long service that is much older. The army medal was actually modeled after that older navy award.

Home Library DenmarkArmy Long Service Medal

Service medal

Army Long Service Medal

A traditional medal that rewards Danish soldiers who complete 25 or 40 years of dedicated military service.

Denmark Established 1945 ArmyPrecedence: Worn in the official long-service section of Danish medals

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for 25 or 40 years of continuous, honorable military service in the Royal Danish Army.

Eligibility

Regular and reserve soldiers and non-commissioned officers serving in the Danish Army.

Branch

Army

Precedence

Worn in the official long-service section of Danish medals

Army Long Service Medal, Service medal, Denmark medal

History

King Christian X created the Army Long Service Medal on September 26, 1945. Following the liberation of Denmark at the end of World War II, the Danish army was rebuilt, and military leaders wanted a formal medal to reward faithful soldiers.

It replaced earlier service badge designs and created a permanent royal medal for the ground forces. The medal was modeled after the much older Navy long-service decoration that dated back to the Napoleonic era.

The medal is presented in silver for 25 years of honorable service and can receive oak leaf devices for 40 years. It represents a lifetime of loyal service to the Danish crown and nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War II Cold War War in Afghanistan

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Thomas M. Rathsack, including Defence Medal for Excellent Service, Defence Medal for International Operations, Army Long Service Medal, Defence Medal for Bravery, Valour Cross, shown against a light Denmark flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Afghanistan

Defence Medal for Excellent Service Defence Medal for International Operations Army Long Service Medal+2

Thomas M. Rathsack

Who Was Thomas Rathsack?

A highly decorated Danish Special Forces operator serving in Afghanistan.

Denmark2002-01-01

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Sources

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