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Norwegian Decorations

This is an overview of Norwegian decorations and their order of precedence. Established by Royal Decree of 11 June 1943 with subsequent additions, latest of 17 January 2016.

The War Cross with Three Swords is Norway’s highest decoration. Gunnar Sønsteby is the only person ever to have been awarded it, for his exceptional efforts during the Second World War.

  1. War Cross with swords
  2. Medal for Outstanding Civic Achievement
  3. The Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav
  4. The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit
  5. Haakon VIIs Freedom Cross
  6. St. Olav's medal with Oak Branch
  7. Medal for Heroism in Gold
  8. The King's Medal of Merit in Gold
  9. St. Olav's Medal
  10. The War Medal
  11. The King's Medal of Merit
  12. Medal of Heroism, Military
  13. Haakon VII's Freedom Medal
  14. Medal for Heroism in Silver
  15. Medal for Rescue at Sea
  16. Nansen Medal for Outstanding Research
  17. Police Cross of Honour *
  18. Civil Defence Cross of Honour *
  19. Defence Cross of Honour *
  20. Defence Service Medal with Laurel Branch
  21. Police Service Medal with Laurel Branch
  22. Civil Defence Service Medal with Laurel Branch
  23. Defence Medal 1940 – 1945
  24. HM The King's Medal of Merit for Service in the Home Guard
  25. Norwegian Korea Medal
  26. The Maudheim medal
  27. The Antarctic Medal
  28. HM The King's Commemorative Medal in Gold
  29. The Royal House Centenary Medal
  30. Haakon VII's Commeorative Medal 1 October 1957
  31. Haakon VII's Jubilee Medal 1905 – 1930
  32. Haakon VII's Jubilee Medal 1905 – 1955
  33. Haakon VII's 70th Anniversary Medal
  34. Haakon VII's Centenary Medal
  35. Olav V's Commemorative Medal of 30 January 1991
  36. Olav V's Jubilee Medal
  37. Olav V's Centenary Medal
  38. King Harald V's Jubilee Medal 1991 - 2016
  39. HM The King's Commemorative Medal in Silver
  40. Defence Service Medal
  41. Police Service Medal
  42. Civil Defence Service Medal
  43. Defence Medal - Wounded in Action
  44. Defence Medal - International Operations
  45. Police Medal International Service
  46. Civil Defence International Service
  47. Medal for Defence Service Abroad
  48. Medal for Defence Operation Abroad
  49. National Service Medal

*) Decorations 17, 18 and 19 are of equal rank, but are listed here in order of seniority.