Winter War 1939-1940 commemorative medal
Description and requirements
On August 2, 1940, at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, President Kyösti Kallio signed the document that Minister of Defence Rudolf Walden had brought with him. The first medals were presented in September of that year, and between then and 1992, over 700.000 of all versions were awarded.
The document was divided into 12 articles, each outlining various conditions and rules of its issuance. The initial statement indicated that the medal was instituted to honour the war of 1939–1940 and the collective resolve to protect it, as well as the actions taken for the welfare of the homeland. Other articles discussed the criteria for awarding the additional medals. The medal was generously awarded to all individuals involved in various sorts of wartime labour, including those who prepared food in canteens for soldiers nationwide, as well as young boys and girls who assisted in delivering messages and laundering clothes.
Similar to numerous medals awarded worldwide, the Winter War Medal may be given with supplementary devices indicating particular accomplishments.
Swords
The swords were given to individuals who participated in the combat actions. These were made from a silver-hued metal, measuring 12 mm in width and 5 mm in height. The swords symbolised those from the Karelian coat of arms and existed in two variations. The subsequent and more prevalent variant features two slender prongs extending from the rear, which were utilised to secure it to the ribbon. The earlier and less common variant included three robust spikes integral to the sword’s design. They were to be attached to the ribbon with the blades oriented upwards.
Clasps
There were 15 different clasps authorised for the Winter War Medal. These were divided into two groups, Combat and Support. Additionally, only one clasp could be worn on a medal, regardless of the individual’s service.
For those who had been on the front lines, the Combat or Front Clasp was awarded.
- Karjalan Kannas (Karelian Ishtmus)
- Summa
- Taipale
- Laatokan-Karjala (North side of Lake Ladoga)
- Tolvajärvi
- Pohjois-Karjala (North Karelia)
- Kainuu
- Suomussalmi
- Lappi (Lapland)
- Mantsinsaari
- Koivisto
The remaining four clasps were under the Support grouping.
- Kenttäarmeija — The Field Army was not deployed on the frontlines. A person belonging to such as a member of the General Staff, Postal Services, or Logistics, was eligible for the Kenttäarmeija clasp.
- Kotijoukot — The Home Forces clasp was given for members of the Civil Guard, Lotta Svärd, Civil Defence, and other individuals who contributed to the home front efforts.
- Ilmapuolustus — members of the Air Defence forces who engaged in verified actions against enemy aircraft were eligible for the Ilmapuolustus clasp.
- Rannikkopuolustus — the Coastal Defence clasp was awarded to Navy personnel, including Fleet and Coastal Artillery members, Coast Guard, and those who faced enemy fire while serving on a vessel.
If a member who qualified for one of the Support groups was present at one of the named Combat groups, then they may request to receive said clasp.
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