King's Medal of Merit explained

King's Medal of Merit Kongens fortjenstmedalje
Type:	Two class medal (gold and silver)
Awarded For:	Meritorious achievements in art, science, business, and public service
Established:	1 February 1908
Total Recipients:	35,000 (15% of awards in gold)
Higher:	Medal for Heroic Deeds (gold) Civil Defence Service Medal with Laurel Branch (silver)
Lower:	St. Olav's Medal (gold) Defence Medal (silver)
Related:	Maudheim medal

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]

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

• 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

• Orders, decorations, and medals of Norway

External links

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

Notes and References

1. Web site: The King's Medal of Merit . 8 January 2007 . 1 July 2011.
2. Web site: Norwegian Decorations . 13 February 2009 . 1 July 2011.