Memorial Medal of the Winter War (1939-1940)

The Memorial Medal of the Winter War (1939-1940) (Talvisodan Muistomitali) is a Finnish commemorative medal instituted on 2 August 1940 and was awarded to the participants in the Winter War against the invading Soviet armed forces (30 November 1939 to 13 March 1940)

The medal is made out of iron and has a diameter of 16.73 mm. It was awarded in three classes: gold, silver and bronze.

The face presents the head and shoulders of a soldier in hooded winter uniform sighting a rifle within a circle bearing the arms of the historical regions of Finland: North Karelia (Pohjois-Karjala) at the top and then clockwise Uusimaa, Lapland (Lappi), Tavastia Proper (Kanta-Häme), Åland (Ahvenanmaa), Northern Ostrobothnia (Pohjois-Pohjanmaa), Finland Proper (Varsinais-Suomi), Satakunda and Northern Savonia (Pohjois-Savo). The dates ‘1939-1940’ are inscribed in the lower part.

The reverse is inscribed ‘KUNNIA ISÄNMAA’ (Honour Fatherland) below a Greek cross and within a border of stylised spruce.; diameter 16.73mm (0.66 inch); on original ribbon with wire top loop for suspension.

Commemorative Medal of the Winter War (Talvisodan Muistomitali) 1939-1940ref/>