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.
