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What was this medal originally called?

When it was first created in 1994, the award was known as the Danish Defence Medal for Service Abroad. The Danish Chief of Defence started this program during the 1990s as many troops headed to missions in the former Yugoslavia. It was eventually renamed to the Defence Medal for International Operations to better describe its purpose.

How long must a soldier serve abroad to earn it?

To earn this special honor, a member of the military must complete at least 30 days of service in a row. This time must be spent on an official military mission outside of Denmark. This rule makes sure that only those who serve during actual overseas deployments receive the medal.

Are clasps attached to the medal?

Yes, the medal design includes small metal bars called clasps that attach to the ribbon. These bars list the name of the specific country or mission where the soldier served, such as Afghanistan or Kosovo. These additions help show exactly where a person helped their country during their time away.

Can sailors on Danish warships earn it?

Yes, sailors who serve on Danish navy ships are able to win this medal. They qualify as long as their ship is deployed on an official mission outside of home waters. Many sailors have earned this for their hard work and bravery while protecting the seas.

Does Denmark give this medal to civilians?

Yes, the medal is not just for soldiers in uniform. Civilian workers who support the military during these dangerous missions abroad can also earn it. By including these workers, Denmark honors everyone who helps the mission succeed far from home.

What was this medal originally called?

When it was first created in 1994, the award was known as the Danish Defence Medal for Service Abroad. The Danish Chief of Defence started this program during the 1990s as many troops headed to missions in the former Yugoslavia. It was eventually renamed to the Defence Medal for International Operations to better describe its purpose.

How long must a soldier serve abroad to earn it?

To earn this special honor, a member of the military must complete at least 30 days of service in a row. This time must be spent on an official military mission outside of Denmark. This rule makes sure that only those who serve during actual overseas deployments receive the medal.

Are clasps attached to the medal?

Yes, the medal design includes small metal bars called clasps that attach to the ribbon. These bars list the name of the specific country or mission where the soldier served, such as Afghanistan or Kosovo. These additions help show exactly where a person helped their country during their time away.

Can sailors on Danish warships earn it?

Yes, sailors who serve on Danish navy ships are able to win this medal. They qualify as long as their ship is deployed on an official mission outside of home waters. Many sailors have earned this for their hard work and bravery while protecting the seas.

Does Denmark give this medal to civilians?

Yes, the medal is not just for soldiers in uniform. Civilian workers who support the military during these dangerous missions abroad can also earn it. By including these workers, Denmark honors everyone who helps the mission succeed far from home.

Home Library DenmarkDefence Medal for International Operations

Campaign medal

Defence Medal for International Operations

This medal is given to Danish military personnel who serve on overseas peacekeeping or combat tours.

Denmark Established 1994 All servicesPrecedence: Ranked among official campaign decorations after the Defence Medal for Excellent Service

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for completing at least 30 consecutive days of operational military service deployed outside of Denmark.

Eligibility

All Danish military and civilian personnel deployed on authorized international operations.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Ranked among official campaign decorations after the Defence Medal for Excellent Service

Defence Medal for International Operations, Campaign medal, Denmark medal

History

In 1994, the Danish Chief of Defence instituted the Danish Defence Medal for Service Abroad, which later evolved into the Defence Medal for International Operations. In the 1990s, Denmark sent large numbers of troops on United Nations and NATO missions to the former Yugoslavia.

Before this award was introduced, Danish service members usually only received foreign campaign medals from the UN or NATO. Denmark created its own national campaign medal so its soldiers could proudly wear a Danish medal for serving their country far from home.

Over the years, the medal's design was updated and clasp bars were created to show the specific foreign mission or country where the soldier served. It is one of the most widely held medals by modern Danish veterans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Bosnian WarKosovo WarWar in AfghanistanIraq War2011 Military Intervention in Libya

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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