Medal for Military Merits

The Military Merit Medal (Sot.am.; Swedish: Militärens förtjänstmedalj) is an award presented by the Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces to a person serving in the Defence Forces or to a person who is not a member of the Defence Forces. Designed by heraldic artist Gustav von Numers, the medal was established by a decree that came into force at the beginning of 1978, ahead of the 60th anniversary of the Defence Forces.

The first Military Merit Medal was presented to President of the Republic Urho Kekkonen in 1978, and the second to Commander of the Defence Forces Lauri Sutela. The first official presentation date for the Military Merit Medal was the Defence Forces Flag Day, celebrated on 4 June 1978. On that occasion, 205 medals were awarded. In total, the Military Merit Medal has been awarded to thousands of people.

The Military Merit Medal may be awarded to personnel serving in the Defence Forces for distinguished service, exceptional resourcefulness or initiative, or fearless action in a dangerous situation. It may be awarded to a person who is not a member of the Defence Forces for exceptionally meritorious work on behalf of the Defence Forces.