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Category: 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.

The Medal for Rescue at Sea (Norway)

The Medal for Rescue at Sea was instituted in 1978 and is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated courage for the saving of life at sea.

The Medal for Rescue at Sea (or Medaljen for redningsdåd til sjøs in Norwegian) is a Norwegian honor established by Royal Decree on August 25, 1978. It holds the 14th position in the order of precedence for Norwegian orders, decorations, and medals.

This medal is conferred by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, based on recommendations from the Norwegian Maritime Directorate. It is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage, resourcefulness, and skill in saving lives at sea.

The Medal for Rescue at Sea Design

Crafted from silver, the Medal for Rescue at Sea features the Coat of Arms of Norway on the obverse, surrounded by the inscription “Kongeriket Norge” (Kingdom of Norway). The reverse bears the inscription “For Redningsdåd til Sjøs” (For Rescue at Sea) along the top edge, with an oak wreath below.

The medal is suspended from a ribbon that is red with a blue stripe edged in white down the center, mirroring the colors of the Norwegian flag.

The King Haakon VII Freedom Medal

The King Haakon VII Freedom Medal was awarded for significant service to Norway during World War II and established on 18 May 1945.

Established on May 18, 1945, King Haakon VII’s Medal of Liberty (or Haakon VIIs Frihetsmedalje in Norwegian) is a prestigious Norwegian award given to both Norwegian and foreign military and civilian personnel for their significant contributions to Norway during World War II.

This recognition extends to services rendered that did not necessarily involve direct combat with the enemy.

The King Haakon VII Freedom Medal Design

The medal is made of bronze and is circular in shape. It is suspended from the ribbon by a stylized bronze element folded at both ends.

On the obverse side, the medal features the monogram of King Haakon VII positioned over a letter V, symbolizing victory. This central design is encircled by a ring of beads, outside of which the inscription “ALT FOR NORGE 1940-1945” (ALL FOR NORWAY 1940-1945) is written.

The reverse side is plain except for a wreath of oak leaves, tied with a ribbon at the base, symbolizing strength and endurance.

The ribbon is a simple dark blue. When only the ribbon is worn, it is adorned with the King’s monogram in bronze, adding a distinguished touch to the decoration.

The Armed Forces Medal for Heroic Deeds

The Armed Forces Medal for Heroic Deeds, from 1982, is given for heroic deeds done while on active service for the Norwegian Defence Force.

The Armed Forces Medal for Heroic Deeds (or Forsvarets medalje for edel dåd in Norwegian) was instituted in 1982 to honor acts of heroism performed while on active duty in the Norwegian Defence Force.

This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary bravery and selflessness in the service of their country. It not only serves as a tangible recognition of individual acts of heroism but also as a symbol of the values upheld by the Norwegian Defence Force. 

The Armed Forces Medal for Heroic Deeds Design

The obverse of the medal prominently features the iconic Norwegian lion, symbolizing strength, courage, and national pride. This lion motif is a significant emblem in Norwegian heraldry and represents the valiant spirit of those who serve in the armed forces.

The reverse of the medal bears the inscription “FORSVARET FOR EDEL DÅD,” which translates to “The Defence For Noble Deed.” This inscription encapsulates the essence of the award, emphasizing the noble and commendable nature of the actions recognized by this medal.

The ribbon from which the medal is suspended is red with three yellow stripes. The red color signifies courage and sacrifice, while the yellow stripes add a distinctive touch, representing honor and valor.

The Norwegian War Medal

The Norwegian War Medal was instituted in 1941 by King Haakon VII of Norway and awarded for service during Second World War.

The War Medal (or Krigsmedaljen in Norwegian) is a Norwegian military decoration initially established to honor service during World War II, and later expanded to recognize meritorious service in wartime.

The Norwegian War Medal was instituted by King Haakon VII of Norway through a Royal Decree on May 23, 1941, with an additional decree on November 13, 1942. It is awarded to both Norwegian and foreign military personnel who have demonstrated meritorious participation in World War II on behalf of Norway. The medal can also be awarded posthumously to Norwegian and foreign individuals who served in the Norwegian forces or merchant marine and died for the Norwegian Resistance.

The War Medal Criteria

Although distribution of the medal ceased in 1951, a Royal Decree in 1979 reinstated it to honor Norwegian and foreign seamen who served on Norwegian Shipping and Trade Mission (Nortraship) vessels for at least 18 months, or on Royal Norwegian Navy vessels during World War II.

The criteria were revised again in 2012, allowing the medal to be awarded to Norwegians for distinguished wartime service to Norway. Notably, it has been awarded for efforts in the conflict against ISIL.

The War Medal Design

The obverse side of the medal showcases a portrait of King Haakon VII of Norway, along with his name and motto, “Alt for Norge” (All for Norway).

The reverse side features a wreath encircling the inscription “Krigsmedalje” (War Medal) and the king’s monogram.

Made of bronze, the medal is accompanied by a ribbon in the colors of the Royal Standard: red and yellow. Recipients who earn the medal multiple times may attach up to three stars to the ribbon. Each medal is issued with a certificate signed by the king. The initial production of the medal was handled by Spink & Son in London.

The King’s Medal of Merit

The King’s Medal of Merit was instituted in 1908 and is awarded for meritorious achievements in art, science, and public service.

The King’s Medal of Merit (or Kongens fortjenstmedalje in Norwegian) is a distinguished Norwegian award established in 1908 to honor notable accomplishments in the fields of art, science, business, and public service.

The medal is available in two classes: gold and silver. The gold medal is awarded for extraordinary achievements of significant importance to the nation and society, while the silver medal is given for noteworthy but lesser accomplishments. The medal is attached to a ribbon featuring the colors of the Royal Standard of Norway.

In terms of precedence, the gold medal ranks eighth among Norwegian orders and medals, whereas the silver medal ranks eleventh.

The King’s Medal of Merit Ribbon Bars

The Maudheim Medal

The Maudheim Medal (Maudheimmedaljen) was established by King Haakon VII of Norway on November 14, 1951, to honor the participants of the Norwegian-British-Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1949–1952. This medal was awarded to recognize the efforts of those involved in the expedition, which was notable for being the first to Antarctica that included an international team of scientists. During the expedition, the team established a base named Maudheim on the Quar Ice Shelf along the coast of Queen Maud Land in February 1950.

The Antarctic Medal

The Antarctic Medal is a Norwegian civil decoration established by King Olav V on February 3, 1960. It was awarded to individuals involved in the Sixth Norwegian Antarctic Expedition. This medal holds the 27th position in the order of precedence of Norwegian honors, ranking below the Maudheim Medal but above H. M. The King’s Commemorative Medal in Gold. A total of 37 individuals associated with the Sixth Norwegian Antarctic Expedition received this medal.

The King’s Medal of Merit Design

The obverse of the medal features the head of the reigning Monarch along with their name and motto. As of 2015, there have been three versions: Haakon VII (1908–1957), Olav V (1957–1991), and Harald V (since 1991).

The reverse of the medal displays a wreath encircling the words “KONGENS FORTJENSTMEDALJE” (Royal Medal of Merit), with the recipient’s name engraved within the wreath.

The ribbon is red with a yellow stripe running down the center.

The Medal for Heroic Deeds (Norway)

The Medal for Heroic Deeds was instituted in 1885 and is awarded for honorable actions in saving lives. It originally had three classes.

The Medal for Heroic Deeds was established in Norway by royal resolution on August 19, 1885, to honor individuals for commendable acts in saving lives or performing similar brave deeds. Initially, the medal was available in three classes, but since 1905, it has only been awarded in gold and silver.

To qualify for the gold medal, the recipient must have executed an exceptionally notable rescue operation where their own life was at significant risk.

The Medal for Heroic Deeds Design

The medal is topped with the Crown of Norway, and the obverse features the portrait, name, and title of the reigning monarch. Currently, it displays the image of King Harald V of Norway, with the inscription «Harald den 5, Norges Konge» (Harald the Fifth, King of Norway).

The reverse side showcases an oak wreath and bears the words «For edel dåd» (For noble deed).

The ribbon accompanying the medal reflects the national colors of Norway: red, white, and blue.