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The Armed Forces Service Medal

The Armed Forces Service Medal is a military award presented for significant activity for which no other U.S. medal is authorized.

The Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM) is a prestigious military award within the United States military, established on January 11, 1996, by President Bill Clinton through Executive Order 12985.

This medal is designated as a deployed service award and is presented to service members who participate in “significant activity” operations that do not qualify for any other U.S. campaign or service medal. The AFSM recognizes the efforts and commitment of those who engage in important missions or operations, highlighting their contributions to national and international objectives where specific campaign medals are not applicable.

The Armed Forces Service Medal is the non-combat equivalent of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, which is typically awarded for combat operations and associated combat support missions.

The Armed Forces Service Medal Design

The Armed Forces Service Medal is a round bronze medal measuring 1+1⁄4 inches (32 mm) in diameter.

The obverse of the medal features a half-torch, reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty’s torch, with rays emanating from behind it. The inscription “ARMED FORCES SERVICE MEDAL” encircles the top. The reverse side displays the eagle from the United States Department of Defense seal, with a laurel wreath below and the inscription “IN PURSUIT OF DEMOCRACY” at the top.

The suspension and ribbon of the medal are 1+3⁄8 inches (35 mm) wide and include several edge stripes from the outside to the center: 1⁄16 inch (1.6 mm) goldenlight, 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) jungle green, 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) green, 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) mosstone green, and 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) goldenlight. The center stripe is 1⁄4 inch (6.4 mm) wide in bluebird.

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The Royal Life Guard’s 350th Anniversary Medal

The Royal Life Guards Medal 350th anniversary medal was awarded to members of the mechanized infantry regiment of the Danish Army.

The Royal Life Guards 350th Anniversary Commemorative Medal was created in 2008 to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the Danish Royal Life Guards. This prestigious medal honors the long-standing history and distinguished service of the Royal Life Guards, who have been a vital part of Denmark’s military and royal protection since their establishment in 1658.

This commemorative medal was awarded to members of the Royal Life Guards, recognizing their dedication, loyalty, and service to the Danish monarchy. It serves as a token of appreciation for the guards’ unwavering commitment to protecting the royal family and the nation over three and a half centuries.

The Medal Design

The medal typically features symbols associated with the Royal Life Guards and Denmark, such as the Danish crown and the regiment’s emblem.

The reverse side often commemorates the anniversary with the years “1658-2008” prominently displayed.

The Defense Medal for Bravery

The King Christian X’s Liberty Medal was a commemorative decoration awarded for special services to Denmark during the Second World War.

King Christian X’s Liberty Medal (or Kong Christian den Tiendes frihedsmedaille in Danish) was a commemorative decoration established by King Christian X of Denmark. It was awarded to individuals who provided exceptional services to Denmark during World War II, reflecting their significant contributions to the nation’s resistance and liberation efforts.

The medal honored those who displayed outstanding bravery, dedication, and service in support of Denmark’s fight against occupation. It symbolized national gratitude and recognition of the sacrifices made by these individuals to ensure Denmark’s freedom and sovereignty.

The Defense Medal for Bravery Design

The medal typically featured the likeness of King Christian X and was suspended from a ribbon representing Denmark’s national colors.

The design elements highlighted the valor and dedication of the recipients, serving as a lasting tribute to their heroic actions during a critical period in Danish history.

The Peace Prize Medal (Denmark)

The Peace Prize Medal was established in 1995 by Queen Margrethe II and is awarded Danes who completed a tour of duty on a UN mission.

The Peace Prize Medal (or De Blå Beretters Fredsprismedalje in Danish) was established in 1995 by Queen Margrethe II. It is awarded to Danish individuals who have completed a UN mission tour and received a corresponding medal.

Unique among Danish medals, recipients can apply for it themselves. The medal honors the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations personnel who received the 1988 Nobel Peace Prize. Those who served before 1988 can attach a silver laurel branch to the ribbon, marking their early contributions.

The Peace Prize Medal Design

The Peace Prize Medal features a distinguished design to honor Danish UN peacekeepers. The medal itself is typically circular, displaying relevant imagery such as the emblem of the United Nations or other peacekeeping symbols.

The obverse side often includes a representation of the Nobel Peace Prize, reflecting the 1988 award given to UN peacekeeping forces. The reverse side may carry inscriptions denoting the medal’s purpose and the recipient’s service details.

The ribbon is adorned with a silver laurel branch for those who served before 1988, symbolizing their early contributions to peacekeeping efforts.

The Rescue Preparedness Medal

The Rescue Preparedness Medal was instituted in 1994 by Queen Margrethe II for participation in international humanitarian operations.

The Rescue Preparedness Medal (or Redningsberedskabets Medalje in Danish) was established in 1994 by Queen Margrethe II.

It honors members of the Danish Emergency Management Agency who have participated in international humanitarian missions beyond Denmark’s borders.

Although the medal was instituted in 1994, it retroactively acknowledges contributions to international operations starting from April 1, 1991. This award recognizes the dedication and bravery of individuals engaged in global humanitarian efforts, highlighting Denmark’s commitment to international aid and emergency response.

The Long Service Awards (Denmark)

The Danish Long Service Medals (Navy, Army, Air Force, and Department of Defense) may be awarded after 25 years of service.

Denmark’s primary governmental uniformed services offer long service medals for 25 years of service, with additional honors for extended service.

The awards include medals for the Navy, Army, Air Force, and other defense services, each instituted by Danish monarchs at various times. For instance:

  • Navy: Established in 1801 for 25 years of service.
  • Army: Established in 1945 for 25 years of service.
  • Air Force: Established in 1953 for 25 years of service.
  • Department of Defense: Established in 1953 for 25 years of service.
  • Armed Forces Reserves: Established in 1978 for 25 years of service.
  • Home Guard: Established in 1988, awarded for 25, 40, 50, and 60 years of service.
  • Civil Defense: Established in 1963 for 25 years of service.
  • Municipal Fire Departments: Established in 1973 for 25 years of service.
  • Police: Established in 1959 for 25 years of service.

High-ranking officers may receive the Order of Dannebrog after 25 years, while the Medal of Merit can be awarded after 40 years of public service. These medals recognize dedication and commitment, providing official acknowledgment and benefits to long-serving personnel.

The Long Service Awards Design

The medal is round and features a profile of the reigning monarch on the obverse. The reverse side often includes an inscription indicating the years of service and the specific branch.

The ribbon color and pattern vary by  service branch, often incorporating the national colors of Denmark. For extended service, such as 40 years, additional elements like gold or silver oak leaves are added to the ribbon.

The Defense Medal for Bravery

The Defense Medal for Bravery was established in 1996 and is awarded for actions during combat or terrorist activities.

The Defense Medal for Bravery (or Forsvarets Medalje for Tapperhed in Danish) is a distinguished award that can be given to both civilian and military personnel for their actions during combat or terrorist activities.

Established on 30 October 1996, the medal was first awarded on 13 May 1997. It is presented as the personal property of the recipient and does not need to be returned upon their death. The medal can also be awarded posthumously. 

Following the deployment of Danish soldiers during the civil war in the former Yugoslavia, members of the UNPROFOR force exhibited acts of heroism. To honor their bravery, the Danish State and Armed Forces sought to create a new bravery decoration. This led to the establishment of the Defense Medal for Bravery in 1996 by Queen Margrethe II. The first presentation took place on 13 May 1997, where seven soldiers were honored at a parade at Kastellet.

The Defense Medal for Bravery Design

Multiple awards of the medal are indicated by silver oak leaves for the second award and gold oak leaves for the third.

The Greenland Medal for Meritorious Service 

The Greenland Medal for Meritorious Service is the highest award based in Greenland. It was first established on 1 May 1989.

The Greenland Medal for Meritorious Service (or Nersornaat, meaning ‘Deserved’ in Greenlandic; Grønlands Hjemmestyres Fortjenstmedalje in Danish) is the highest award given by the Greenland Home Rule government.

Instituted on 1 May 1989 to mark the tenth anniversary of Greenlandic home rule, this medal honors individuals who have rendered exceptional service to Greenland in areas such as public service, business, art, or science. 

The Nersornaat Design

The medal shows a bear and the inscription “Kalaallit Nunaat” in the obverse.

The ribbon features the Greenlandic colors, with red symbolizing the sun and white symbolizing the snow, and is awarded in two grades: gold and silver.

The Medal for Noble Deeds

The Medal for Noble Deeds was established in 1793 to recognize the saving of a life at great risk to the rescuer and the rescued.

The Medal for Noble Deeds (or Medaljen for Ædel Dåd in Danish) is a prestigious Danish award given to individuals who have saved a life while putting themselves at great risk.

Established on 12 June 1793 by King Christian VII at the suggestion of the Finance Collegium, the Medal for Noble Deeds recognizes acts of extraordinary bravery. It is currently overseen by the Ministry of Justice.

Due to its stringent criteria, the medal is rarely awarded; as of 2011, there were only eight living recipients. On 25 September 2015, the medal was awarded to three women and a man for their heroic actions during the Præstø Fjord accident on 11 February 2011.

This medal honors those whose selfless acts of courage and bravery exemplify the highest standards of heroism, often resulting in the saving of lives under perilous circumstances. 

The Royal Medal of Recompense

The Royal Medal of Recompense was established in 1865 and is given for 40 or 50 years of service to the same private employer.

The Royal Medal of Recompense (or Den Kongelige Belønningsmedalje in Danish) is a prestigious Danish medal awarded at the discretion of the Monarch. Established by King Christian IX, the medal is currently given to individuals who have dedicated 40 or 50 years of service to the same private employer.

This honor was created by King Christian IX through an ordinance on 4 September 1865. The statutes governing the medal are updated with each new Danish monarch, with the latest statutes adopted on 1 November 1972 and minor amendments made on 28 November 1986 and 25 January 1988.

The Royal Medal of Recompense Design

Produced by the Royal Mint of Denmark, the medal is round and measures 28 millimeters in diameter. It is available in gilded silver (gold medals) or plain silver and comes in versions with or without a crown surmounting the medal.

The obverse features a profile effigy of Queen Margrethe II, encircled by the inscription “Margareta II – Regina Daniæ.” The reverse displays a wreath of oak leaves. Each recipient’s name is engraved on the edge, signifying that the medal is their personal property and does not need to be returned upon their death, unlike some chivalric orders.

The medal is suspended from a red ribbon with a white cross.