What is 10 Second War Stories?

10 Second War Stories brings military history to life through stories, veteran profile, force profiles, and equipment guides across all nations and conflicts.

What is the Danish name for the wounded medal?

The medal is known as the Forsvarets Medalje for Sårede i Tjeneste. This name translates directly into English as the Defence Medal for Wounded in Service. It is a special award that shows deep respect for soldiers who have sacrificed their health for Denmark.

What American medal is it similar to?

This medal works just like the famous Purple Heart in the United States military. Both medals were created to honor brave service members who get hurt in the line of duty. They are both powerful symbols of the difficult costs of being a soldier in combat.

Can a soldier get this medal if injured in an accidental fall?

No, a soldier cannot earn this medal for accidents like falling down. To get the medal, the injury must be caused directly by an enemy weapon or a device like a mine. It is meant only for those hurt during dangerous hostile actions while serving their country.

Can a person earn this medal more than once?

Yes, a brave soldier can receive this award more than one time. If they are wounded again, they add a small metal piece, such as a leaf or number, to the ribbon. This shows others how many times they have been hurt while protecting the world.

Was it backdated for soldiers wounded earlier?

Yes, the government allowed soldiers to receive it even if they were hurt before 2010. This helped include heroes who were injured during tough fighting in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. It made sure that all wounded Danish veterans were properly honored for their service.

What is the Danish name for the wounded medal?

The medal is known as the Forsvarets Medalje for Sårede i Tjeneste. This name translates directly into English as the Defence Medal for Wounded in Service. It is a special award that shows deep respect for soldiers who have sacrificed their health for Denmark.

What American medal is it similar to?

This medal works just like the famous Purple Heart in the United States military. Both medals were created to honor brave service members who get hurt in the line of duty. They are both powerful symbols of the difficult costs of being a soldier in combat.

Can a soldier get this medal if injured in an accidental fall?

No, a soldier cannot earn this medal for accidents like falling down. To get the medal, the injury must be caused directly by an enemy weapon or a device like a mine. It is meant only for those hurt during dangerous hostile actions while serving their country.

Can a person earn this medal more than once?

Yes, a brave soldier can receive this award more than one time. If they are wounded again, they add a small metal piece, such as a leaf or number, to the ribbon. This shows others how many times they have been hurt while protecting the world.

Was it backdated for soldiers wounded earlier?

Yes, the government allowed soldiers to receive it even if they were hurt before 2010. This helped include heroes who were injured during tough fighting in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. It made sure that all wounded Danish veterans were properly honored for their service.

Home Library DenmarkDefence Medal for Wounded in Service

Distinguished service decoration

Defence Medal for Wounded in Service

This award recognizes Danish military members wounded or injured by enemy weapons in combat.

Denmark Established 2010 All servicesPrecedence: Ranked directly after the Defence Medal for Fallen in Service

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded to military personnel wounded or severely injured as a direct result of hostile actions or weapons during deployment.

Eligibility

Danish military personnel and deployed civilian specialists wounded in the line of duty.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Ranked directly after the Defence Medal for Fallen in Service

Defence Medal for Wounded in Service, Distinguished service decoration, Denmark medal

History

The Defence Medal for Wounded in Service was established on January 1, 2010. During the military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq, many Danish soldiers were injured by enemy fire, mortar rounds, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Danish military leaders realized they lacked a specific award similar to the American Purple Heart to officially recognize combat wounds. The Ministry of Defence created this medal to formally acknowledge soldiers who suffered bodily harm while serving the country.

The medal can be awarded more than once, with miniature oak leaves or numerals added to indicate additional woundings. It holds a cherished place among wounded Danish veterans and their comrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

War in AfghanistanIraq WarOperation Inherent Resolve

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Jesper S. Hansen, including Danish Home Guard Medal of Merit, Distinguished Flying Medal, Navy Long Service Medal, Defence Medal for Wounded in Service, Defence Medal for Fallen in Service, shown against a light Denmark flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Cold War

Danish Home Guard Medal of Merit Distinguished Flying Medal Navy Long Service Medal+2

Jesper S. Hansen

Who Was Jesper Hansen?

A dedicated officer who served across multiple branches of the Danish Defence.

Denmark1995-05-04

Read Story

Sources

Back to Denmark