King's Medal of Merit

Summary

The King's Medal of Merit (Norwegian: Kongens fortjenstmedalje) is a Norwegian award. It was instituted in 1908 to reward meritorious achievements in the fields of art, science, business, and public service. It is divided in two classes: gold and silver. The medal in gold is rewarded for extraordinary achievements of importance to the nation and society. The medal in silver may be awarded for lesser achievements. The medal is suspended from a ribbon in the colours of the Royal Standard of Norway.[1]

King's Medal of Merit
Kongens fortjenstmedalje
Silver King's Medal of Merit
TypeTwo class medal (gold and silver)
Awarded forMeritorious achievements in art, science, business, and public service
Presented by Norway
Established1 February 1908
Total recipients35,000 (15% of awards in gold)
Ribbon bar of the medal
Precedence
Next (higher)Medal for Heroic Deeds (gold)
Civil Defence Service Medal with Laurel Branch (silver)
Next (lower)St. Olav's Medal (gold)
Defence Medal (silver)
RelatedMaudheim medal

The medal in gold is ranked eighth in the ranking of Norwegian orders and medals. The medal in silver is ranked 11th.[2]

Design of the Medal edit

  • The obverse shows the head of the reigning Monarch with name and motto. To date (2015) there have been three versions: Haakon VII (1908–1957), Olav V (1957–1991), and Harald V (since 1991).
  • The reverse bears a wreath and the words "KONGENS FORTJENSTMEDALJE" (Royal Medal of Merit) with the recipient's name engraved in the middle of the wreath.
  • The ribbon is red with a yellow central stripe.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "The King's Medal of Merit". 8 January 2007. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
  2. ^ "Norwegian Decorations". 13 February 2009. Retrieved 1 July 2011.

External links edit

  • The Royal House of Norway: HM The King's Medal of Merit
  • ODM web page