Hans Hedtoft's significant role for Denmark's national security policy profile from non-aligned bridge-builder and the attempt to take part in a Nordic Defense Association to membership of the Atlantic Treaty is outlined. Hedtoft's NATO loyal, yet in several areas reserved approach to Denmark's initial political-military adaptation to the demands and challenges of the NATO membership is documented; a significant role is attributed to Hedtoft in formulating Denmark's profile in NATO during the following decades.