12 Norwegians awarded by Russian Defense Minister
The Norwegian citizens are awarded for their contribution to perpetuating the memory of fallen Soviet soldiers in World War II.
The Medal of Merit is a Russian departmental decoration and was awarded by Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov, reports RIA Novosti.
Among the 12 Norwegians are the current Norwegian Ambassador to Russia Knut Hauge and Norway’s Military Attaché in Moscow commodore Geir Osen.
The Russian Ministry of Defense says in their statement that all twelve Norwegians awarded got the Medal of Merit for their active participation in exploratory work, establishing the names of Soviet soldiers killed on Norwegian soil, carrying their remains for military burials and assisting the Russian Embassy in perpetuating the memory of the fallen soldiers.
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The Russian Medal of Merit is normally awarded to military and civilian persons in the Armed Forces, but can also be awarded to citizens of other countries.
