Continuation War Commemorative Medal

The Continuation War Commemorative Medal (abbreviated Jsmm) is a Finnish commemorative medal distributed from 1957 to 1992. It could be awarded to anyone who served in the field army or home forces during the Continuation War or the Lapland War of 1941–1945, or otherwise took part in the defence of the country. The medal was designed by the artist and Jäger Captain Lauri Leppänen.

The medal was established only 12 years after the end of the wars, by a decree issued by President Urho Kekkonen on 24 May 1957. The commemorative medal was awarded in the name of the president on the individual’s own application. Practical matters relating to distribution were handled by the military district headquarters. Since an application was required to receive the commemorative medal, it is assumed that many men and women eligible for it never received one. The medal could be awarded to a Finnish citizen or a foreign national who had taken part in the war or otherwise worked for national defence between 25 June 1941 and 27 April 1945. Some people who had served as soldier boys or Little Lottas were also eligible for the medal, since these activities were directed by the Home Forces Headquarters.