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Category: Norway

The Jarnkross or State Police Honor Cross

The State Police Honor Cross was a special decoration likely instituted in 1941 and awarded to frontline volunteers.

The Jarnkross, or “Rikspolitiets Hederstegn,” was a special decoration likely instituted in 1941.

It was awarded to frontline volunteers in the “Norwegen Polizei Kompanie” (Norwegian SS Police Companies), who briefly served with the “Legion Norwegen” and later the “SS-Skijager Btl ‘Norge’.”

The Norwegen Polizei Kompanie were paramilitary units formed during World War II, comprising Norwegian volunteers. These units were integrated into the German SS and served on the Eastern Front, participating in combat operations alongside German forces. Initially, they served with the “Legion Norwegen” and later with the “SS-Skijäger Battalion ‘Norge’.” 

The Jarnkross or State Police Honor Cross Design

The decoration was made of solid metal. The front side of the silver cross featured a shield, either enameled or painted, showing the “Saint Olaf’s” Cross, symbolizing the Norwegian Nazi Party “Hird.” The reverse was flat, with a thin needle pin and a small hinge, and variations in catch style.

Additionally, there was a 2nd class award with different ribbons: yellow and red for State and Border Police (Grepo/Stapo) and green for detectives, designated for police employees. 

The Front-Fighters Badge

The Norwegian “Frontkjemper” (Front-Fighter) badge was awarded for bravery to Waffen-SS Norwegian legionnaires and German cadre.

The Norwegian “Frontkjemper” (Front-Fighter) badge was introduced in October 1943 by Vidkun Quisling, leader of the Norwegian collaborationist government during World War II. This badge was awarded to Norwegian legionnaires and German cadre members who demonstrated bravery while serving on the Eastern Front between 1941 and 1945.

The badge was awarded to Norwegian soldiers and German cadre for their participation in combat on the Eastern Front. Nurses who served on the Eastern Front were also eligible for the award. A miniature version was available for veterans to wear on civilian clothing. A special variant featuring a nurse helping a wounded soldier was produced, reflecting the contributions of medical personnel.

The Front-Fighters Badge Design

Manufactured by “Webeto” in Oslo, it was only issued in silver. The badge depicts a Nordic warrior with a shield and sword, framed by an archway inscribed with “FRONT KJEMPER” in pseudo runic script. Two types exist: an early high-quality version with sharp details and a later type with a standard “M” in “frontkjeMper”. Original badges feature the silver content “830S” and the maker’s mark “W”.

On the reverse, the badge displays a serial number, indicating its silver content. Authentic pieces have a thin needle, small hinge, and “C”-shaped catch, with patina in the relief’s deepest areas. Some post-war badges, made of zinc, were produced for veterans who lost their awards.

The Brave and Faithful Order or Quisling Cross

The Brave and Faithful Order was introduced by the Quisling Government to serve as the Norwegian equivalent of the German Iron Cross.

The Brave and Faithful Order was introduced by the Quisling Government to serve as the Norwegian equivalent of the German Iron Cross. The decoration was intended for Norwegian front-line fighters.

Few of these medals were produced before it was decided that Norwegian soldiers could wear the German Iron Cross.

The Brave and Faithful Order Design

In 1944, the Order was repurposed as a civilian Nazi Party award, featuring a Sun-Eagle instead of the original “1941.”

Known as the “Quisling Cross,” the reverse bears the inscription “Brave and Faithful.” It is very rare, as many recipients kept it secret after 1945.

The three grades differ in how they are worn: the I Class as a breast cross, the II Class on a ribbon, and the Knight’s Cross with a ribbon suspension.

The National Service Medals (Norway)

The National Service Medals were established on 1 May 1982 and are awarded in recognition of completed initial service in the armed forces.

The Norwegian National Service Medal (or Forsvarets vernedyktighetsmedaljer in Norwegian) is awarded to individuals upon the completion of their mandatory military service, which typically lasts one year, or six months for those in the Home Guard.

The Norwegian National Service Medal not only recognizes the completion of mandatory military service but also symbolizes the commitment and dedication of individuals to the defense and security of Norway.

The medal is available in four distinct versions, each representing a different branch of the Norwegian Armed Forces: the Army, the Air Force, the Navy, and the Home Guard.

The National Service Medal Design

The obverse design of the Norwegian National Service Medal varies slightly depending on the branch of service it represents. The reverse features the branch’s name along with the armed forces motto, “for fred og frihet” (in Bokmål) or “for fred og fridom” (in Nynorsk), which translates to “for peace and freedom.”

The Norwegian National Service Medal is uniquely designed to represent the distinct branches of the Norwegian Armed Forces. Each version of the medal comes with a distinct ribbon that corresponds to the specific branch of service, too. These ribbons are worn as part of the medal’s insignia and serve to identify the branch in which the recipient served.

The National Service Medals - Awards from Norway

Army Version

The Army version of the National Service Medal features the crest of the Norwegian Army on the obverse. This emblem is a symbol of the strength, discipline, and commitment required of those who serve in the Army.

The reverse side of the medal includes the name of the Army along with the armed forces motto “for fred og frihet” (for peace and freedom), emphasizing the Army’s role in national defense and peacekeeping.

The ribbon for the Army version is designed in red and yellow.

Air Force Version

The Air Force version of the National Service Medal displays the crest of the Norwegian Air Force on the obverse. This crest signifies the advanced technology, skill, and strategic importance of the Air Force. The reverse side carries the Air Force’s name and the motto, reinforcing the branch’s dedication to protecting Norway’s airspace and contributing to international peace efforts.

The ribbon accompanying the Air Force medal is blue and silver, reflecting the sky and the innovative spirit of the Air Force.

The National Service Medals - Air Force version, obverse.
The National Service Medals - Navy version, obverse.

Navy Version

The Navy version of the National Service Medal is adorned with the crest of the Norwegian Navy on the obverse. This emblem represents the maritime heritage, bravery, and tactical expertise of naval personnel. The reverse side includes the name of the Navy and the armed forces motto, highlighting the Navy’s crucial role in securing Norway’s waters and participating in global maritime operations.

The Navy ribbon is designed with nautical colors: navy blue and white, symbolizing the sea and the naval tradition.

Home Guard Version

The Home Guard version of the National Service Medal features the crest of the Norwegian Home Guard on the obverse. This crest embodies the readiness, resilience, and community spirit of the Home Guard. The reverse side lists the Home Guard’s name and the motto, reflecting its mission to support and protect local communities in times of need.

The ribbon for the Home Guard medal incorporates colors that are distinct to this branch: Green and yellow.

The National Service Medals - Home Guard version, obverse.

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.