| Defence Medal 1940–1945 Deltagermedaljen | |
| Presenter: | Norway |
| Type: | War medal |
| Eligibility: | Military personnel and merchant sailors |
| Awarded For: | Participation in the defence of Norway 1940-1945 |
| Status: | May still be awarded |
| Established: | 19 September 1945 |
| Higher: | King's Medal of Merit in Silver |
| Lower: | H. M. The Kings Medal of Merit for Service in the Home Guard |
The Defence Medal 1940–1945 is the award rewarded to those military and civilian personnel who participated in the fight against the German invasion and occupation of Norway between 1940 and 1945.
The Defence Medal 1940–1945[1] can be awarded both to Norwegian and foreign citizens. The medal may still be awarded due to the large number of participants in the defence of Norway during World War II and the difficulties tracking down all eligible recipients.[2]
The medal is in bronze. On the obverse is the coat of arms with the inscription Norwegian: 9 April 1940 - 8 Mai 1945. On the reverse is the royal flag, the flag and national flag. Above these a narrow circle with the inscription Norwegian: DELTAGER I KAMPEN (Participant in the struggle). The image is surrounded by a chain. The band is in the Norwegian national colors. The band can be fitted with a rosette if the recipient has distinguished himself several times. The medal is made by the goldsmith firm of J. Tostrup in Oslo.[3]
As of 2017, the Defence Medal 1940–1945 ranks as 23rd of the Norwegian decorations.[1]
The medal was awarded to those meeting one of the following criteria:[2]