Medals from Finland
Finnish Military Medals & Awards from WW1, WW2 and More
The Finnish awards system is divided into three groups: orders, decorations and medals, and titles. Its legal basis is the Act on the displays of public recognition (1215/1999) which grants the president the authority to issue decrees on orders, medals and titles.
Among the most prestigious Finnish medals is the Order of the Cross of Liberty, established in 1918. This order, awarded for acts of bravery and distinguished service in defending Finland’s freedom and independence, has several classes, each reserved for exceptional acts of valor. Finnish medals also include campaign and service medals, such as the Winter War Medal and the Continuation War Medal, awarded to those who served during specific military campaigns and operations.
Explain these and many other Finnish medals (both military and civilian) below.
Popular Finnish Medals, Orders & Decorations
Explore the most renowned medals, orders, and decorations bestowed by Finland.
The 1939-1940 Finish Summa Cross
The 1939-1940 Finish Summa Cross was instituted on the 27th of October 1940 and awarded to participants of the Battle of Summa.
The 1939-1940 Finnish Middle-Isthmus Battle Cross
The 1939-1940 Finnish Middle-Isthmus Battle Cross was instituted in 1940 and awarded to participants of the defence of the Karelian Isthmus.
The Order of the Lion of Finland
The Order of the Lion of Finland (Suomen Leijonan ritarikunta) is one of three official Orders in Finland, established on September 11, 1942.
The Order of the White Rose
The Order of the White Rose of Finland was established by Gustaf Mannerheim on January 28, 1919 and is one of Finland’s three Orders.
The Order of the Cross of Liberty
The Order of the Cross of Liberty or Vapaudenristin Ritarikunta was established in 1918 and is one of three official state orders in Finland.
Finnish Medals from the
Pre-WW1, WW1 and Interwar Periods
During the pre-World War I, World War I, and interwar periods, Finland was part of the Russian Empire, and its ability to award independent medals was limited. However, Finnish soldiers serving in the Russian military may have been eligible for Russian medals for their service.
During World War I, Finland experienced significant political upheaval, culminating in its declaration of independence from Russia in 1917. Finnish volunteers fought in various armies during the war, including the Russian, German, and Swedish armies. Finnish soldiers serving in these armies may have been awarded medals from those countries for their service. After gaining independence, Finland established its own military decorations to recognize the service and sacrifices of its soldiers.
Finnish Medals from
the WW2 and Post-WW2 Period
During World War II, Finland faced significant challenges as it sought to defend its independence against Soviet aggression. Finnish soldiers fought bravely on the battlefield, and their service was recognized through various military decorations and medals.
