Finland, Republic. A Winter War 1939-1940 Medal, Suomussalmi

(Talvisodan muistomitali). Instituted in 1940. Type III for Finnish Soldiers for the Battle of Suomussalmi . SUOMUSSALMI. In blackened iron, magnetic, inscribed "KUNNIA ISÄNMAA" on the reverse, measuring 31.5 mm (w) x 36.5 mm (h), original ribbon, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Finnish Winter War Medal was instituted on August 2, 1940 and awarded to those who served during the Winter War campaign against the Soviet Union. The Battle of Suomussalmi was fought from December 7, 1939 to January 8, 1940. The outcome was a Finnish victory against superior forces. Suomussalmi is considered the clearest, most important, and most significant Finnish victory in the northern half of Finland. In Finland, the battle is still seen today as a symbol of the entire Winter War.