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What is the Norwegian name for this medal?

The official name of the award is the Deltakermedaljen 9. april 1940 - 8. mai 1945. This long name translates to the Participation Medal for the time between the German invasion and the war's end. King Haakon VII started this medal in 1945 to honor the people who helped defend their country.

Milorg was a secret group of citizens who fought against the enemy from inside Norway. They were the main underground resistance army during the long years of the occupation. These brave people gathered information and performed acts of sabotage to hurt the invaders.

What do the dates 1940 and 1945 stand for?

These dates mark the beginning and the end of the fighting in Norway during World War II. On April 9, 1940, German forces invaded the country. The war finally ended for Norway on May 8, 1945, when the enemy forces surrendered.

What does a rosette on the ribbon mean?

A small metal rosette was added to the medal to show special service. It was given to soldiers who fought in the main battles of 1940 and then kept serving for a long time. It highlights people who spent many years working hard to help Norway win the war.

Is this medal still awarded today?

No, this medal is no longer given out to new people. The government stopped handing out the medal after they finished checking all the military records from the war. It remains a special symbol for the people who defended Norway during that very difficult time.

What is the Norwegian name for this medal?

The official name of the award is the Deltakermedaljen 9. april 1940 - 8. mai 1945. This long name translates to the Participation Medal for the time between the German invasion and the war's end. King Haakon VII started this medal in 1945 to honor the people who helped defend their country.

Milorg was a secret group of citizens who fought against the enemy from inside Norway. They were the main underground resistance army during the long years of the occupation. These brave people gathered information and performed acts of sabotage to hurt the invaders.

What do the dates 1940 and 1945 stand for?

These dates mark the beginning and the end of the fighting in Norway during World War II. On April 9, 1940, German forces invaded the country. The war finally ended for Norway on May 8, 1945, when the enemy forces surrendered.

What does a rosette on the ribbon mean?

A small metal rosette was added to the medal to show special service. It was given to soldiers who fought in the main battles of 1940 and then kept serving for a long time. It highlights people who spent many years working hard to help Norway win the war.

Is this medal still awarded today?

No, this medal is no longer given out to new people. The government stopped handing out the medal after they finished checking all the military records from the war. It remains a special symbol for the people who defended Norway during that very difficult time.

Home Library NorwayDefence Medal 1940-1945

Campaign medal

Defence Medal 1940-1945

A campaign medal given to those who fought or served in Norway's defense during World War II.

Norway Established 1945 All servicesPrecedence: 12th in the Norwegian order of precedence

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for active participation in combat or organized resistance against the enemy between 1940 and 1945.

Eligibility

Norwegian and allied military members and recognized home-front resistance fighters.

Branch

All services

Precedence

12th in the Norwegian order of precedence

Defence Medal 1940-1945, Campaign medal, Norway medal

History

Established by King Haakon VII in 1945, the Defence Medal 1940–1945 honored the men and women who actively defended Norway against invading forces. It was also given to members of the underground resistance movement, known as Milorg.

Recipients who later continued to serve in the armed forces or who fought directly in front-line campaigns could receive a small rosette on the ribbon. This medal was central to honoring the shared sacrifice of the generation that endured enemy occupation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War II

Veterans Who Received This Award

No veterans in our archive have this award listed yet.

Sources

Back to Norway

Defence Medal 1940-1945

Medals & Awards

History

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Norwegian name for this medal?

Who was Milorg?

What do the dates 1940 and 1945 stand for?

What does a rosette on the ribbon mean?

Is this medal still awarded today?

Used In

Veterans Who Received This Award

Sources