Forsvarets Medalje

The Defence Medal [Forsvarets Medalje] was a medal awarded to people who had performed meritorious service for the Danish Defence outside the country’s borders in war zones where Danish troops were stationed. The medal was also awarded for service in missions in which Denmark participated but for which no specific participation medal was officially awarded. It was instituted in 1991. The first recipients of the medal were the crew of the corvette Olfert Fischer, after they had participated in the Gulf War.

The medal could also be awarded posthumously; it was personal property and therefore did not have to be returned after the death of a living recipient. Since 2002, personnel who had received the Defence Medal could be awarded it in grades. The grades were structured so that personnel who had made a special contribution to the defence would be awarded one of three grades:

The Defence Medal in Gold with Oak Leaves, awarded to military and civilian personnel who had performed a distinctive or extraordinary service.

The Defence Medal in Silver with Oak Leaves, awarded to personnel who had performed a very fine service.