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Category: Sweden

The Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit

The Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit is a military decoration awarded for action during combat or during war-like situations.

The Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit (or Försvarsmaktens förtjänstmedalj in Swedish; FMGM and FMSM) is a prestigious decoration established by the Swedish Armed Forces and conferred in recognition of exceptional actions undertaken during combat or war-like situations. The decision to bestow this medal is made by the Supreme Commander and may be granted to both Swedish nationals and foreign personnel.

Originally, this medal was formed through the amalgamation of two previous honors: the Swedish Armed Forces International Service Medal of Reward, awarded in silver or gold with a blue ribbon adorned with a silver sword; and the Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit, bestowed for commendable efforts, presented in silver or gold with a yellow ribbon (sometimes featuring a sword in each denomination). These aforementioned medals are no longer presented.

The medal may be granted for national or international operations, actions undertaken during war-like conditions, or other commendable personal endeavors. The criteria for receiving this medal apply even in times of armed conflict. Eligibility also extends to individuals both within and outside the Swedish Armed Forces, regardless of nationality.

The Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit Design

The medal is available in two classes: gold and silver. Crafted from gilded hallmarked silver or hallmarked silver with a diameter of 31 mm, the medal features the Swedish Armed Forces heraldic arms on the obverse side, encircled by the inscription “FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICES” (FÖR FÖRTJÄNSTFULLA INSATSER).

The reverse side showcases a laurel wreath along the outer edge and remains smooth, allowing for the recipient’s name, year of awarding, and, if applicable, country to be engraved. Additionally, a miniature version of the medal is available, and it is accompanied by a diploma.

The medal is worn suspended from a blue ribbon with a broad yellow stripe in the center and narrow ones on each side. If the medal is awarded for actions in combat or during war-like situations, a gold or silver upright sword is displayed on the ribbon. Alternatively, a service ribbon with a horizontal gold or silver sword is worn in lieu of the medal for such action.

The Medal For Valor in the Field / At Sea

The Medal For Valor in the Field/Sea is a Swedish military decoration awarded to officers and soldiers of the Swedish Armed Forces.

The Medal For Valor in the Field (or För tapperhet i fält in Swedish) and Medal For Valor at Sea (För tapperhet till sjöss) are esteemed military decorations of Sweden, honoring the courage and bravery demonstrated by officers and soldiers of the Swedish Armed Forces during wartime engagements, whether on land or at sea.

Instituted by Gustav III on May 28, 1789, amid conflicts with Russia, these medals were conceived to complement the Order of the Sword, which, since its establishment on February 23, 1748, had been exclusively bestowed upon officers for acts of valor on land or at sea.

These two medals, along with the various grades of the Order of the Sword, hold the distinction of being designated as Swedish war decorations (Svenska krigsdekorationer).

Through royal decrees issued on March 24, 1807, and June 10, 1809, it was decided to institute two distinct decorations: För tapperhet i fält (abbreviated Mtf) to recognize valor in the field and För tapperhet till sjöss (Mts) to honor acts of bravery at sea. Each of these awards has gold variants (prefixed with G, such as GMtf) reserved for officers and silver variants (prefixed with S, such as SMts) designated for non-commissioned officers and privates.

The Medal For Valor in the Field / At Sea Design

Initially crafted in silver, the medal was intended solely for non-commissioned officers and privates. However, in 1806, a gold version was introduced exclusively for higher-ranking officers.

The design of the medal is characterized by its simplicity, featuring a circular shape consistent with the modern size 8 of the Swedish medal scale established in 1773, known as Mensura magnitudinis Nummorum, with a diameter of 31 mm.

On the obverse side, the medal bears the inscription “FÖR TAPPERHET I FÄLT” or “FÖR TAPPERHET TILL SJÖSS” (or for older medals “[…] TILL SIÖS”), encircled by a wreath. Since 1809, the reverse side has been adorned with the symbol of the Order of the Sword. Prior to this, it depicted a portrait of Gustav III alongside the text “GUSTAV III SVERIGES KONUNG” (“Gustav III King of Sweden”). 

The ribbon is blue and yellow and has been presented with the award since 1819.

The Prince Eugen Medal

The Prince Eugen Medal is a Swedish decoration conferred by the King of Sweden for outstanding artistic achievement.

The Prince Eugen Medal (or Prins Eugen-medaljen in Swedish) is a distinguished honor bestowed by the King of Sweden in recognition of outstanding artistic achievement.

Established in 1945 by Gustaf V, the King of Sweden at the time, the medal commemorates the eightieth birthday of Prince Eugen, a renowned painter and art collector, and the King’s brother.

Annually awarded on November 5th, which coincides with Eugen’s name day, the medal ceremony takes place at the Royal Palace in Stockholm. Recipients are celebrated for their remarkable contributions to the arts. This prestigious accolade symbolizes the enduring legacy of Prince Eugen and the Swedish monarchy’s commitment to honoring excellence in artistic endeavors.

The Litteris et Artibus Medal

The Litteris et Artibus Medal is a Swedish royal decoration awarded to people who have made important contributions to culture.

The Litteris et Artibus Medal is a distinguished Swedish royal decoration established in 1853 by Charles XV of Sweden during his tenure as crown prince.

This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon individuals who have made significant and noteworthy contributions to the realm of culture, particularly in the domains of music, dramatic art, and literature.

The Litteris et Artibus Medal Design

The obverse side of the medal features the likeness of the reigning monarch, while the reverse side bears the inscription “Litteris et Artibus,” which translates to “Letters and Arts” in Latin.

This emblematic representation serves as a testament to the enduring commitment of the Swedish monarchy to honor and celebrate excellence in cultural achievements.

The H. M. The King’s Medal (Sweden)

The H. M. The King’s Medal is a Swedish honor established in 1814 and awarded to Swedish and foreign citizens for special merits.

The H.M. King’s Medal (H.M. Konungens medalj in Swedish), previously known as the Court Medal (or Hovmedaljen), is a prestigious honor bestowed upon both Swedish and foreign nationals.

Established in 1814, this medal is not classified into classes but rather awarded based on size. The 12th size is the largest and is typically worn around the neck on a chain or ribbon, while the 8th and 5th sizes are worn suspended from the left breast by a ribbon, following the Seraphim Medal.

Recipients of the King’s Medal include individuals who have demonstrated exceptional merits and officials serving at the royal court. This practice became particularly common after 1975, when the conferral of Swedish Orders of Chivalry to non-royal Swedish citizens ceased, until the Orders were reopened to Swedish citizens on February 1, 2023.

The H. M. The King’s Medal Design

The King’s Medal is available in different sizes, crafted from both gold and silver, and can be worn suspended from either a ribbon or chain.

Unlike traditional classifications, Swedish medals are not divided into classes but rather into sizes. These sizes are determined by the Berch’s Scale, an 18th-century scale that assigns specific dimensions to each medal. For instance, the 12th size medal has a diameter of 43 mm, while the 8th size measures 31 mm in diameter.

The Order of Charles XIII

The Order of Charles XIII is a Swedish order of merit established in 1811 and awarded to Freemasons of the Protestant faith.

The Royal Order of Charles XIII (Kungliga Carl XIII in Swedish) is a distinguished Swedish order of merit established by King Charles XIII in 1811.

Membership of the order is limited to Freemasons of the Protestant faith. The King of Sweden, currently King Carl XVI Gustaf, serves as the Lord and Master of the Order. The order’s membership is structured as follows:

  • Thirty lay members, with a maximum of seven non-Swedish members, each holding the XI (highest) degree of the Swedish Rite of Freemasonry, such as regional or national heads.
  • Three clerical members, typically priests or bishops of the Church of Sweden.
  • All princes of the Royal House of Sweden are born members but only wear the insignia if they hold the Knight and Commander rank of the Red Cross of the Swedish Order of Freemasons. As a result, the King and the Duke of Värmland, both born Knights of the Order, do not wear the insignia.
  • Foreign princes of royal lineage may be granted honorary membership if they are senior Freemasons, regardless of their affiliation with the Swedish Order or another. While they enjoy full membership rights, they are not included in the order’s membership limits. Prince Edward, Duke of Kent (United Kingdom), was admitted to the Order on November 6, 2000.

The total membership cannot exceed 33 individuals concurrently. Members of royal descent are automatically included in the count but do not consume slots from the allotted 33.

The Order of Charles XIII Design

The insignia of the order features a red St. George cross, with a white globe at its center bearing the monogram of the founder, consisting of two letters “C” surrounding “XIII” in gold.

On the reverse side of the globe, there is a gold letter “B” within an equilateral triangle bordered in black and gold. A closed golden crown is mounted atop the cross. The insignia is worn around the neck on a red ribbon. Additionally, there exists a red breast cross, making the insignia equivalent to that of a Commander 1st Class, and recipients are ranked accordingly following the Commanders 1st Class of the Swedish Royal Orders.

The ribbon is red.

The Order of Vasa

The Order of Vasa is a Swedish order of chivalry awarded to citizens of Sweden for service to the state and society.

The Royal Order of Vasa (or Kungliga Vasaorden in Swedish) is an order of chivalry bestowed upon citizens of Sweden in recognition of their contributions to the state and society, particularly in fields such as agriculture, mining, and commerce.

Instituted by King Gustav III on May 29, 1772, the Order of Vasa was unique in its inclusivity. It was unrestricted by birth or education and thus open to anyone deserving of recognition. Unlike the Order of the Polar Star, which primarily honored individuals in the learned professions, the Order of Vasa had a broader scope.

In 2019, a parliamentary committee was tasked with devising guidelines for the reintroduction of the Swedish orders, including the Order of Vasa, into the national honors system and for the reappointment of Swedish citizens to these orders. The committee presented its recommendations in September 2021 and a new regulation was issued on December 20, 2022, revoking the 1974 restriction and once again permitting Swedish citizens to receive the Royal Orders.

The Order had five classes:

  • Commander Grand Cross 
  • Commander 1st Class 
  • Commander 
  • Knight 1st Class (Member 1st Class for women and clergymen) 
  • Knight (Member for women and clergymen) 

The Order of Vasa Design

The badge of the Order is crafted as a white-enameled Maltese Cross, fashioned in silver for the Knight class and in gilt for Knight 1st Class and higher ranks, with crowns adorning the spaces between the arms of the cross. The central oval disc, which is identical on both sides, features a golden sheaf against a black enamel background, encircled by a red enamel ring bearing the inscription “Gustaf 3. Instiktare 1772″ (Instituted by Gustaf III, 1772). The badge is suspended from a royal crown.

The Badge of Vasa resembles the silver badge of the Order for knights, but lacks white enamel on the cross. The star of the Order takes the form of a silver Maltese Cross with a silver sheaf at the center. For the Grand Cross, the star additionally features the aforementioned nettle leaf emblem in silver between the arms of the cross.

The ribbon of the Order is green.

The Order of the Polar Star

The Order of the Polar Star is a Swedish order of chivalry established in 1748 as an award for civic merits, devotion to duty, science, etc.

Established on February 23, 1748, by King Frederick I, the Royal Order of the Polar Star (or Kungliga Nordstjärneorden in Swedish), alternatively known as the Royal Order of the North Star, stands as a Swedish order of chivalry.

Alongside the Order of the Sword and the Order of the Seraphim, it was introduced to honor individuals for their contributions to civic society, dedication to duty, advancements in science, literary accomplishments, scholarly pursuits, and the establishment of beneficial institutions, both within Sweden and internationally.

The Order has five degrees:

  1. Commander Grand Cross (KmstkNO) 
  2. Commander 1st Class (KNO1kl) 
  3. Commander (KNO) 
  4. Knight 1st Class (RNO1kl/LNO1kl) 
  5. Knight (RNO/LNO) 

The Order of the Polar Star Design

The Order’s badge features a white enamelled Maltese Cross, rendered in silver for a Knight and gilt for a Knight 1st Class and higher ranks, with crowns adorning the spaces between the arms of the cross. The central disc, identical on both sides, showcases a blue enamel background with a white-enamelled five-pointed star encircled by the Order’s motto, Nescit occasum (“It knows no decline”). The badge is suspended from a royal crown.

The star of the Order takes the form of a silver Maltese cross, with a silver five-pointed star positioned at its center. For the Grand Cross, straight silver rays extend between the arms of the cross.

The ribbon of the Order is black. However, from 1975 to 2023, it featured a blue color with yellow stripes near its borders. From 2023 onwards, the black ribbon was reinstated. 

The Order of the Sword (Sweden)

The Order of the Sword is a Swedish order of chivalry and military decoration established in 1748 as an award for bravery and long service.

The Royal Order of the Sword, officially known as the Royal Order of the Sword (or Kungliga Svärdsorden in Swedish), was established as an order of chivalry and military decoration by King Frederick I on February 23, 1748. It was created alongside the Order of the Seraphim and the Order of the Polar Star. The order’s motto, “Pro Patria,” meaning “For Fatherland,” is expressed in Latin.

Initially intended as a recognition for bravery and exceptional long or meritorious service among officers, the Order of the Sword eventually evolved into a customary award for military officers upon completing a certain number of years in service. Originally comprising three grades—Knight, Commander, and Commander Grand Cross—the order later expanded its classification into multiple classes.

On December 20, 2022, the Swedish Government issued a new regulation that overturned the 1974 restriction, thereby reinstating eligibility for Swedish citizens to receive the Royal Orders. This reactivation of the Order of the Sword, alongside the Order of Vasa, took effect on February 1, 2023.

The Grades of the Order of the Sword

In 1788, after King Frederick I established the three aforementioned orders, King Gustav III introduced two new grades of the Order of the Sword. They were both exclusively reserved for wartime conferment:

  • Knight Grand Cross First Class: The decoration was conferred upon division commanders holding the rank of at least major general in recognition of their significant triumphs in battle. Even the monarch could only don the insignia of Knight Grand Cross with the unanimous approval of his officers, as exemplified by Gustavus III, Charles XIII, and Charles XIV John.
  • Knight Grand Cross: The cross looks similar to the Knight’s cross, but is as large as the Grand Cross badge.

During peacetime, the Order of the Sword had five classes:

  •  Commander Grand Cross 
  •  Commander 1st Class 
  •  Commander 
  •  Knight 1st Class 
  •  Knight 

The Order of the Sword Design

The insignia of the Order is a white-enamelled Maltese Cross arranged in a saltire (X-shaped) formation, rendered in silver for the Knight class and in gold for the Knight 1st Class and higher ranks. Gold open crowns are positioned between the arms of the cross.

On the obverse central medallion, an upright gold sword is flanked by three gold crowns against a blue enameled background, while the reverse central medallion features an intersecting gold sword and laurel wreath, accompanied by the Latin inscription “Pro Patria” (For Fatherland) on a blue enameled backdrop.

Across the opening between the upper arms of the cross at the top of the badge, a pair of crossed gold swords in blue enamelled scabbards with downward-turned blades is depicted. Additionally, in the badges of the two highest classes, an upright gold and blue sword spans the openings at the sides of the cross, along with a pair of crossed gold and blue swords with downward-turned blades across the opening between the lower arms of the cross at the bottom of the badge. 

The badge is suspended from a gold and enamelled royal crown. 

The Order of the Seraphim

The Order of the Seraphim is a Swedish order of chivalry established in 1748, originally to supervisors of the Seraphim Hospital.

The Royal Order of the Seraphim, known in Swedish as Kungliga Serafimerorden, was established by King Frederick I on February 23, 1748, along with the Order of the Sword and the Order of the Polar Star.

The order, named after the Seraphim, a category of angels, is the highest order of chivalry in Sweden. It consists of a single class, conferring the title of Knight (referred to as Member for women and Member of the Cloth for clergymen).

In 1975, as part of a reorganization of Swedish orders, appointments of Swedish citizens to the various orders ceased (except for foreign heads of state). In 1995, revisions to the law allowed for conferrals upon members of the royal family and on December 20, 2022, the Swedish Government issued a new regulation repealing the 1974 restriction, thereby once again permitting conferrals of the Royal Orders to Swedish citizens, effective from February 1, 2023.

The History of the Order of the Seraphim

Upon its establishment in 1748, the knights of the Order of thr Seraphim were tasked with overseeing the major hospitals and mental asylums in Sweden, notably the Seraphim Hospital in Stockholm, which remained a prominent medical institution until its closure in 1980.

However, as the 19th century progressed, this obligation became obsolete due to the establishment of professional boards of physicians and other experts, rendering the supervision by the Knights of the Seraphim unnecessary.

The Order of the Seraphim Design

The emblem of the Order features a white-enamelled gold Maltese Cross, with a gold patriarchal cross adorning each arm and gold seraphim positioned between the arms, their wings encompassing the central medallion.

On the obverse medallion, blue enamel serves as the backdrop for a white-enamelled “IHS” Christogram, flanked by three gold crowns above and representations of the three nails used in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ below. The reverse medallion, also in blue enamel, bears the white-enamelled letters “FRS” (Fredericus, Rex Sueciae, Frederick King of Sweden), honoring the Order’s founder. The emblem is suspended from a royal crown crafted from gold and enamel. 

The star of the Order mirrors the design of the badge’s front side, excluding the royal crown. However, it is entirely crafted from silver, with the central medallion enameled like that on the badge but larger in size.

The ribbon is pale blue, a hue referred to in Sweden as seraphim blue.