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 this award called in Danish?

In the Danish language, this medal is officially called the Flyvervåbnets Hæderstegn or the Forsvarets Flyvermedalje. These names translate to mean a medal for honor or distinction for those who fly for the military. It was established in 1962 to recognize the brave people in the Danish skies.

Is this medal given to every air force pilot?

No, this medal is not given to every pilot. It is only awarded to people who perform extraordinary acts of bravery or show incredible skill during flight. Since it started in 1962, it has been given out very rarely because it is meant only for the most dangerous or special missions.

Can helicopter rescue crews receive it?

Yes, helicopter rescue crews can absolutely earn this honor. Many crews have received it for flying into dangerous, stormy weather over the cold sea to save lives. Their expert flying skills in these tough situations are exactly what this medal is meant to celebrate.

What branch primarily receives this medal?

This medal is given to the brave men and women who serve in the Royal Danish Air Force. It is a specialized award just for those who fly planes or helicopters for the military. While other branches have their own awards, this one belongs to the air crew members.

Is the medal still active?

Yes, this medal is still a very important part of the Danish military honors system today. It remains active so that pilots and crews can be honored for their courage in modern conflicts and missions. It continues to represent the highest level of skill for Danish military aviators.

What is this award called in Danish?

In the Danish language, this medal is officially called the Flyvervåbnets Hæderstegn or the Forsvarets Flyvermedalje. These names translate to mean a medal for honor or distinction for those who fly for the military. It was established in 1962 to recognize the brave people in the Danish skies.

Is this medal given to every air force pilot?

No, this medal is not given to every pilot. It is only awarded to people who perform extraordinary acts of bravery or show incredible skill during flight. Since it started in 1962, it has been given out very rarely because it is meant only for the most dangerous or special missions.

Can helicopter rescue crews receive it?

Yes, helicopter rescue crews can absolutely earn this honor. Many crews have received it for flying into dangerous, stormy weather over the cold sea to save lives. Their expert flying skills in these tough situations are exactly what this medal is meant to celebrate.

What branch primarily receives this medal?

This medal is given to the brave men and women who serve in the Royal Danish Air Force. It is a specialized award just for those who fly planes or helicopters for the military. While other branches have their own awards, this one belongs to the air crew members.

Is the medal still active?

Yes, this medal is still a very important part of the Danish military honors system today. It remains active so that pilots and crews can be honored for their courage in modern conflicts and missions. It continues to represent the highest level of skill for Danish military aviators.

Home Library DenmarkDistinguished Flying Medal

Valor decoration

Distinguished Flying Medal

A specialized aviation medal awarded to Danish aircrew members for exceptional feats while flying.

Denmark Established 1962 Royal Danish Air ForcePrecedence: Worn among specialized service bravery and merit awards

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for courageous actions or superior airmanship during dangerous flying operations.

Eligibility

Military pilots, navigators, and aircrew personnel of the Danish armed services.

Branch

Royal Danish Air Force

Precedence

Worn among specialized service bravery and merit awards

Distinguished Flying Medal, Valor decoration, Denmark medal

History

The Distinguished Flying Medal of Denmark was created on May 30, 1962, to recognize brave or exceptionally skillful actions by military aviators. The Royal Danish Air Force grew rapidly during the Cold War and flew demanding patrol and rescue missions.

Denmark created this award inspired by foreign military aviation medals like the British Distinguished Flying Cross. It was designed to specifically highlight pilots and aircrews who faced severe airborne emergencies or performed dangerous rescue flights.

Throughout its history, the medal has been awarded sparingly, making it a very rare honor. It has been presented to helicopter crews performing stormy sea rescues and fighter pilots handling hazardous missions abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Cold WarKosovo War2011 Military Intervention in Libya

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