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What is the Danish title of this medal?

In Denmark, this award is known as the Hæderstegn for God Tjeneste ved Søetaten. This title translates to a badge of honor for good service in the navy. It is a special title that honors sailors for their long commitment to the country.

How old is this medal?

King Christian VII created this medal on January 29, 1801. That means it is more than 220 years old today. It was made to reward the brave sailors who helped protect Denmark during the big wars of that time.

Did Danish sailors receive it during the Cold War?

Yes, sailors continued to earn this medal throughout the 20th century. Even during the Cold War, the Danish Navy kept giving the medal to those who served for many years. It remains one of the oldest military honors that is still given to sailors today.

What happens when a sailor reaches 40 years of service?

If a sailor stays in the navy for 40 years, they get a special update to their award. A small metal oak leaf is attached to the medal's ribbon. This leaf shows that the sailor has spent a very long and dedicated career serving the Danish fleet.

Is it considered an official royal medal?

Yes, it is a formal medal authorized by the Danish monarch. It holds a high spot in the official rules for how medals are worn on military uniforms. Because it comes from the King or Queen, it is a very proud symbol for any sailor to wear.

What is the Danish title of this medal?

In Denmark, this award is known as the Hæderstegn for God Tjeneste ved Søetaten. This title translates to a badge of honor for good service in the navy. It is a special title that honors sailors for their long commitment to the country.

How old is this medal?

King Christian VII created this medal on January 29, 1801. That means it is more than 220 years old today. It was made to reward the brave sailors who helped protect Denmark during the big wars of that time.

Did Danish sailors receive it during the Cold War?

Yes, sailors continued to earn this medal throughout the 20th century. Even during the Cold War, the Danish Navy kept giving the medal to those who served for many years. It remains one of the oldest military honors that is still given to sailors today.

What happens when a sailor reaches 40 years of service?

If a sailor stays in the navy for 40 years, they get a special update to their award. A small metal oak leaf is attached to the medal's ribbon. This leaf shows that the sailor has spent a very long and dedicated career serving the Danish fleet.

Is it considered an official royal medal?

Yes, it is a formal medal authorized by the Danish monarch. It holds a high spot in the official rules for how medals are worn on military uniforms. Because it comes from the King or Queen, it is a very proud symbol for any sailor to wear.

Home Library DenmarkNavy Long Service Medal

Service medal

Navy Long Service Medal

Denmark's historic medal awarded to naval personnel who complete decades of faithful naval service.

Denmark Established 1801 NavyPrecedence: Worn directly before the Army Long Service Medal

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for 25 or 40 consecutive years of dedicated and unblemished service in the Danish Navy.

Eligibility

Sailors, officers, and enlisted personnel serving in the Royal Danish Navy.

Branch

Navy

Precedence

Worn directly before the Army Long Service Medal

Navy Long Service Medal, Service medal, Denmark medal

History

The Navy Long Service Medal was founded on January 29, 1801, by King Christian VII. Denmark was a major maritime power and wanted to reward experienced sailors who defended the kingdom during the Napoleonic Wars.

During the 20th and 21st centuries, the regulations were updated so the medal continued to reward modern sailors. It survived major conflicts including the battle against Nazi occupation during World War II when the Danish fleet scuttled its own ships.

Today, the Navy Long Service Medal is one of the oldest military medals still actively awarded in the world. Sailors receive it after 25 years of honorable service in the Royal Danish Navy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War II Gulf WarOperation Ocean Shield

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