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The Order of the Norwegian Lion

The Order of the Norwegian Lion was established by King Oscar II in 1904 and was used to appoint knights in memory of important events.

  • Time Period: Pre-WW1
  • Institution: 10 September 1904
  • Country: Norway

The Order of the Norwegian Lion (or Den norske løve in Norwegian) was a prestigious Norwegian order of knighthood established by King Oscar II on January 21, 1904. It was created “in memory of the glorious events associated with Norway’s venerable Coat of Arms,” aiming to honor distinguished service and achievements.

The establishment of the Order of the Norwegian Lion was part of King Oscar II’s effort to elevate the Norwegian honors system to be on par with its Swedish counterpart. Specifically, it was intended to serve as an equivalent in rank to the Swedish Order of the Seraphim. This was because knights of the Norwegian Order of St. Olav were considered junior to the knights of the Seraphim within the shared Swedish-Norwegian royal court. The creation of this new order aimed to address this disparity and give Norwegian honors equal standing.

However, the expansion of the Norwegian honors system received mixed reactions from Norwegian politicians. Some saw it as an important step in recognizing Norwegian achievements, while others viewed it with skepticism, considering it unnecessary or politically motivated.

History

The Order of the Norwegian Lion was short-lived due to the political changes that followed its establishment. The Union between Sweden and Norway was dissolved in 1905, and no Norwegian knights were appointed before this dissolution. King Haakon VII, who ascended to the throne after the dissolution, chose not to appoint any new knights to this order. Eventually, he formally repealed the order in a Court resolution on March 11, 1952.

Last Living Knight

The last living knight of the Order of the Norwegian Lion was King Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden, who passed away in 1973. His death marked the end of an era for this prestigious yet short-lived Norwegian order.

The Order of the Lion Design

The obverse of the medal prominently featured the Norwegian lion, a key element of Norway’s coat of arms. The lion was depicted in a heraldic stance, often holding a battle-axe, which is a traditional symbol of Norwegian royalty and strength.

The reverse of the medal bore the inscription detailing the order and its purpose, surrounded by ornate designs that emphasized its significance and grandeur.

The star of the order was an elaborate and radiant design, often enameled in white and gold, further emphasizing the order’s prestige. It was worn on the left chest and signified the knight’s distinguished status.

The ribbon of the Order of the Norwegian Lion was typically a striking combination of red and white, reflecting the colors of the Norwegian flag. This ribbon was worn over the shoulder, crossing the chest, and supporting the medal.

The Norwegian Police Service Medal

The Police Service Medal was established in 2002 and is a civil decoration for long service in the Norwegian Police Service.

The Police Service Medal (or Politimedaljen in Norwegian) is a distinguished Norwegian civil decoration awarded to recognize long and dedicated service within the Norwegian Police Service.

This medal highlights the commitment and professionalism of the personnel who have dedicated significant portions of their careers to maintaining law and order in Norway.

The Police Service Medal is awarded to individuals who have completed 25 years of service in the Norwegian Police Service. To further acknowledge prolonged dedication, a star is added to the ribbon for each additional five years of service, with a maximum of three stars, representing up to 40 years of exemplary service.

In the hierarchy of Norwegian decorations, the Police Service Medal ranks 41st. This placement underscores its importance in recognizing long-term commitment and service within the civil sector, particularly in law enforcement.

The Norwegian Police Service Medal Design

The medal is round and typically made of a high-quality metal, designed to endure and symbolize the enduring nature of the service it honors.

The obverse of the medal features the Norwegian Police Service emblem. This includes the traditional insignia, which often comprises symbols of justice and law enforcement, such as scales of justice or a lion, symbolizing strength and courage.

The reverse of the medal typically bears inscriptions that denote the nature of the award. This might include phrases like “For Long Service” or similar sentiments that recognize the commitment and dedication of the recipient.

The medal is suspended from a ribbon that is black with a central yellow line.

The Norwegian Police Service Medal Ribbons

Stars are added to the ribbons to represent years of service:

  • Ordinary (25 years)
  • One Star (30 years)
  • Two Stars (35 years)
  • Three Stars (40 years)

The King Haakon VII Commemorative Medal

The King Haakon VII Commemorative Medal was established in 1957 to commemorate the deceased monarch on the occasion of his funeral.

The King Haakon VII Commemorative Medal of October 1, 1957 (or Kong Haakon VIIs minnemedalje 1. oktober 1957 in Norwegian) is a Norwegian award established to honor the late monarch on the occasion of his funeral, which took place on October 1, 1957.

The commemorative medal was awarded to individuals who performed duties related to King Haakon VII’s funeral. The gold version of the medal was awarded 26 times, predominantly to military personnel. The silver version was awarded 54 times, with 48 of those medals given to officers of the army, navy, and air force who led honor detachments at the funeral.

This medal holds the 30th position in the Norwegian order of precedence for decorations.

The King Haakon VII Commemorative Medal Design

The medal is available in both gold and silver.

The obverse features a depiction of King Haakon VII without his crown, crafted by the engraver Ivar Throndsen. Surrounding the portrait is the inscription “HAAKON • VII • NORGES • KONGE” (Haakon VII King of Norway).

The reverse showcases the royal monogram. The medal is topped with a royal crown and is suspended from a red ribbon. The ribbon includes a silver clasp inscribed with “1. OKTOBER 1957” (October 1, 1957).

The Royal House Centennial Medal (Norway)

The Royal House Centennial Medal was established in 2005 by Harald V of Norway to commemorate the centennial of the Norwegian royal family.

The Royal House Centennial Medal (or Kongehusets 100-årsmedalje in Norwegian) is a distinguished Norwegian award established by King Harald V to commemorate the centennial of the Norwegian royal family.

The Royal House Centennial Medal was awarded as part of the celebrations for the centennial of Norwegian independence and the royal family in 2005.

Recipients included members of the Norwegian royal family, descendants of King Haakon VII and Queen Maud, members of the Royal Court, government officials, the presidium of the Norwegian Parliament, county governors, bishops of the Church of Norway, police directors, other officials, and individuals who assisted the royal family. A total of 400 medals were produced, with 366 being awarded.

The medal holds the 29th position in the Norwegian order of precedence for decorations.

The Royal House Centennial Medal Design

The Royal House Centennial Medal is crafted from silver and measures 30 mm in diameter. The medal features a royal crown affixed to the top.

The obverse depicts King Haakon VII along with the inscription “KONGEHUSET 100 ÅR” (The Royal House 100 Years). The reverse showcases a wreath made of oak leaves, with the motto “ALT FOR NORGE” (Everything for Norway) inscribed above the wreath, and the dates “1905–2005” below.

The medal is suspended from a blue ribbon with red and white edges, reflecting the colors of the Norwegian flag. This color scheme was also used for the ribbon of the Order of the Norwegian Lion. The medal was produced by the Carl Poellath company.

The King’s Commemorative Medal (Norway)

The King’s Commemorative Medal is a royal decoration of Norway established in 1906 by King Haakon VII and awarded in gold and silver grades.

The H.M. The King’s Commemorative Medal (or H.M. Kongens erindringsmedalje in Norwegian) is a prestigious royal decoration in Norway.

Established in 1906 by King Haakon VII, the medal is awarded to individuals who have rendered particularly meritorious service to the King. The medal is available in two grades: gold and silver.

The gold medal ranks 28th in the Norwegian order of wear, positioned just below the Antarctic Medal and above The Royal House Centenary Medal. The silver medal ranks 38th, below King Olav V’s 100th Anniversary Medal and above the Defence Service Medal.

The King’s Commemorative Medal Design

The medal is round and crafted from either gold or silver.

The obverse features the effigy of the reigning monarch, surrounded by the monarch’s name and motto. For King Harald V, his right-facing effigy is depicted with the inscription “HARALD V NORGES KONGE” above and his motto “ALT FOR NORGE” below.

The reverse side of the medal showcases the monarch’s monogram. The medal is topped with a depiction of the Crown of Norway, and it is suspended by a ring that passes through the orb on the crown. The ribbon attached to the medal is red, reflecting the color of the Norwegian flag.

The Norwegian Korea Medal

The Norwegian Korea Medal is a Norwegian medal awarded for at least two months of service during the Korean War.

The Norwegian Korea Medal (or Den norske Koreamedalje in Norwegian) is a campaign medal that was established by the Norwegian government to recognize the service of individuals who participated in the Korean War.

Specifically, this medal was awarded to those who completed at least two months of service at the Norwegian Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (NORMASH) during the conflict. This unit played a vital role in treating wounded soldiers and offering essential medical care under challenging conditions. By awarding this medal, the Norwegian government acknowledged the significant contributions and sacrifices made by these individuals.

In the Norwegian honors system, the Norwegian Korea Medal holds the 25th position in the order of precedence. It ranks just below The King’s Medal of Merit for Service in the Home Guard and above the Maudheim Medal. This placement reflects the importance of the medal within the broader context of Norwegian military and civil awards.

The Norwegian Korea Medal Design

The obverse side of the medal features a prominent and detailed representation of a stylized lion, which is part of the Norwegian coat of arms. The lion is standing on its hind legs, holding an axe, symbolizing Norway’s historical strength and resilience.

The reverse side of the medal bears a simple yet powerful inscription “For Deltakelse” (For Participation), acknowledging the recipient’s contribution to the Korean War efforts. Encircling this inscription is a laurel wreath, which traditionally symbolizes honor, victory, and recognition of achievement.

The medal is suspended from a ribbon that incorporates the national colors of Norway.

The Defense Medal 1940–1945 Medal

The Defense Medal 1940–1945 Medal was awarded to military and civilian personnel who participated in the fight against the German invasion.

The Defence Medal 1940–1945 (or Deltagermedaljen 9. april 1940 – 8. mai 1945/Deltakarmedaljen 9. april 1940 – 8. mai 1945 in Norwegian) is awarded to military and civilian personnel who participated in the fight against the German invasion and occupation of Norway from 1940 to 1945.

This medal can be awarded to both Norwegian and foreign citizens. Due to the large number of participants and the challenge of identifying all eligible recipients, the medal may still be awarded.

The Defense Medal 1940–1945 Medal Criteria

The medal was awarded to individuals who met one of the following criteria:

  • Participating in the 1940 campaign in Norway for five days or more.
  • Serving in the Norwegian armed forces and merchant fleet outside of Norway for four months or more (or less if serving in units involved in the liberation of Norway).
  • Participating in the Finnmark campaign (winter 1944-45) for one month or more.
  • Allied soldiers who participated in the liberation of Norway and served for one month or more.
  • Serving in the resistance forces for four months or more.

As of 2017, the Defence Medal 1940–1945 ranks 23rd among Norwegian decorations.

The Defense Medal 1940–1945 Medal Design

The Defence Medal 1940–1945 is made of bronze. The medal is crafted by the goldsmith firm J. Tostrup in Oslo.

The obverse features the coat of arms with the inscription “9 April 1940 – 8 Mai 1945.”

The reverse displays the royal flag, the national flag, and another flag, all beneath a narrow circle inscribed with “DELTAGER I KAMPEN” (Participant in the struggle), surrounded by a chain.

The medal is suspended from a ribbon in the Norwegian national colors. A rosette may be added to the ribbon for recipients who have distinguished themselves multiple times. 

The Defense Service Medal (Norway)

The Defense Service Medal was established in 1982 and is awarded for outstanding or noteworthy service to the Norwegian Armed Forces.

The Defense Service Medal with Laurel Branch (or Forsvarsmedaljen med laurbærgren in Norwegian) is a prestigious military medal in Norway. Established on May 1, 1982, this medal honors outstanding or noteworthy service to the Norwegian Armed Forces.

It can be awarded to both Norwegian and foreign individuals, whether they are civilians or military personnel.

The Defense Service Medal Design

The Defence Service Medal with Laurel Branch is a round, embossed medal made of silver.

The obverse features the depiction of three swords placed side by side, with their blades pointing upwards.

The reverse bears the inscription “FORSVARET – FOR FORTJENESTER” (ARMED FORCES – FOR MERIT). The medal is suspended from a red ribbon with a central vertical stripe of silver.

A laurel branch device can be attached to the suspension ribbon of the medal, as well as to the service ribbon worn on undress uniforms, symbolizing the recipient’s meritorious service.

The Civil Defense Cross of Honor (Norway)

The Civil Defense Cross of Honor is awarded to Norwegian civil defence personnel for helping to prevent loss of life or damage to property.

The Civil Defence Cross of Honor (or Sivilforsvarets hederskors in Norwegian) is a prestigious medal awarded by the Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning of Norway.

It recognizes Norwegian civil defense personnel who demonstrate exceptional ingenuity in dangerous conditions to prevent loss of life or damage to equipment and property. The medal was established on November 6, 2003.

The Civil Defense Cross of Honor Design

The Civil Defence Cross of Honor is crafted from silver and designed as a cross.

The obverse features blue-enamelled arms with a central medallion depicting a crowned lion holding a shield, which is the emblem of the Civil Defence.

The reverse side is plain silver, bearing the inscription “Honor et caritas” (Honor and Charity) in the center.

The ribbon is white or silver-grey with double blue edge stripes, complementing the medal’s design and significance.

The Norwegian Police Cross of Honor

The Norwegian Police Cross of Honor is awarded by the head of the National Police Directorate of Norway to Norwegian police personnel.

The Norwegian Police Cross of Honor (or Politiets hederskors/Politiets heiderskross in Norwegian) is a distinguished medal awarded by the head of the National Police Directorate of Norway.

It recognizes Norwegian police personnel who have demonstrated exceptional ingenuity in perilous conditions to prevent loss of life or damage to equipment and property.

Although the award was discontinued in 2012, it was reinstated in 2019 and awarded to retired Director of Public Prosecutions Tor-Aksel Busch, making it an active award once again.

The Norwegian Police Cross of Honor Design

The Norwegian Police Cross of Honour is a cross made of gilded metal, suspended from a stylized spray of oak leaves.

The obverse features white-enameled arms of the cross, with the center displaying the emblem of the Norwegian Police Service: the Norwegian Coat of Arms (a gold lion on a red field) on a gold background engraved with fasces, surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves.

The reverse side, which is not enamelled, bears the inscription “HONOR ET MERITUM” (Honour and Merit) in three lines on a circular design at the center of the cross.

The ribbon is black with double yellow edges, adding a striking contrast to the medal’s design.