Military Hans Högman
Copyright © Hans Högman 2021-01-11

Swedish Military Orders and Medals of

Bravery

Orders

An order is a visible honor awarded by a sovereign state, monarch, dynastic royal house or organization to a recipient, typically in recognition of individual merit, that often comes with distinctive insignia such as collars, medals, badges, and sashes worn by recipients.

The Royal Order of the Sword - Svärdsorden

The Order of the Sword is a Swedish order of chivalry and military decoration created by King Frederick I of Sweden on February 23, 1748, together with the Order of the Seraphim and the Order of the Polar Star. The motto of the Order of the Sword is in Latin: Pro Patria (which means "For the Fatherland" (Swe: För Fosterlandet)). There were originally two grades, Knight (Riddare) and Commander (Kommendör). In 1772 a third grade was added, Commander Grand Cross (Kommendör med stora korset). In 1873 respectively 1889 these were multiplied by division into two classes. Grades: 1. Commander Grand Cross (1772) 2. Commander First Class (1873) 3. Commander 4. Knight First Class (1889) 5. Knight The Order of the Sword are awarded to officers as an award for bravery in battle and particularly long or useful service in times of piece. The cross in the Order of the Sword is a Maltese Cross with a blue enameled center with a sword surrounded by the Swedish Three Crowns. The ribbon is yellow and blue. Riddare av Svärdsorden (Knights) are abbreviated RSO and Kommendör av Svärdsorden (Commanders) KSO. As a special dignity, King Gustav III added the Knight Grand Cross (Riddare med stora korset) in 1788, which can only be awarded in a state of war. It was in 1814 divided into two classes: Knight Grand Cross First Class (Riddare med stora korset av första klass) and Knight Grand Cross (Riddare med stora korset). The Grand Cross has a belonging chain. Membership of the order has not been awarded since 1975, but technically it still exists.

Badge of the Sword - Svärdstecknet

The above grades proper were only given to commissioned officers, but an affiliated decoration, the Badge of the Sword (Svärdstecknet), introduced in 1850, was awarded to non-commissioned officers; one thus decorated would call himself a Sword man (Svärdsman). The badge of the Order is a white enameled Maltese Cross in saltire.

Medal of the Sword - Svärdsmedaljen

The Medal of the Sword (Svärdsmedaljen) was introduced for the other ranks (Swe: Underbefäl och manskap). Both the non-commissioned officers and the other ranks had to have served for at least sixteen years to qualify respective for the Badge and Medal. The Medal of the Sword is of also of silver and round with a royal crown on it upper side. The Medal of the Sword was instituted by King Oscar on 26 June 1850. The image to the right shows the Medal of the Sword “Svärdsmedaljen”. Image, Armémuseum on Digitaltmuseum.

War Cross of the Order of the Sword - Svärdsordens krigskors

In 1952 a special medal of distinction was added to the order. These could only be bestowed in a state of war. They are the War Cross of the Order of the Sword in Gold, in Silver and in Bronze.

Source References

Wikipedia "Om tapperhetsmedaljer till underofficerare och manskap", Birgitta Törnell, 1963. The Swedish Armed Forces The Royal Household (Hovstaten) Nationalencyklopedin Nordisk familjeordbok, 19th century edition Top of page
xxxxx Swegen xxxxxxxxxxx

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Kommendör av svärdsorden, KSO.Commander, KSO. Riddare av svärdsorden, RSO.Knight, RSO.

Medals

A medal awarded for bravery, commonly called a Medal of Bravery, Bravery Medal, or Medal of Valor is a type of medal, usually associated with military forces or police forces, given to personnel who have served with gallantry, often for those who have engaged in specific acts of bravery or valor.

Medals of Valor in the Field and at Sea

These two medals for bravery was created by King Gustav III in 1789 and was meant to complement to the Order of the Sword which are only awarded to officers. For Valor in the Field (För tapperhet i fält), awarded from 28 May 1789 - the first Gallantry Award. For Valor at Sea (För tapperhet till sjöss), awarded from 1807/09. These medals were originally intended for non-commissioned officers and enlisted men and in silver. However, in 1806 a version in gold was introduced for commissioned offices, Gold medal for Valor in the Field (Guldmedalj för tapperhet i fält). In the war with Russia 1788 - 1790 a total of 1,900 medals were bestowed for valor in the field and 800 for valor at sea. The medal for Valor at Sea was bestowed to the Army Fleet only. The design is a round medal. The obverse side shows the name of the medal, "FÖR TAPPERHET I FÄLT" or "FÖR TAPPERHET TILL SJÖSS" encircled by a wreath. The reverse side has since 1809 been decorated by the symbol of the Order of the Sword. Before that, the reverse carried a picture of Gustav III and the text "GUSTAV III SVERIGES KONUNG" ("Gustav III King of Sweden"). A band in blue and yellow has been issued with the awards since 1819. The image to the right shows the Silver Medal of Valor in the Field, reverse side. Army Museum. The image to the left shows the Gold Medal of Valor in the Field, reverse side, officers. Livrustkammaren. The corresponding medal for the Navy is the Distinction Badge for Valor at Sea (Distinktionstecknet för tapperhet till sjöss or Örlogsflottans hederstecken). The Navy medal is bestowed at a state of war to non-commissioned officers and enlisted men. The medal was introduced on 18 June 1789 by Grand Admiral Duke Carl of Södermanland and are in two grades. The ribbon is yellow and black. The image to the right shows the Navy Distinction Badge for Valor at Sea. Livrustkammaren.

The Fredrikshamn and Svensksund Medals

After the two victorious Army Fleet sea battles at Fredrikshamn and Svensksund in 1790 during the War with Russia 1788 - 1790, King Gustav III created special medals for bravery for the participants in those two battles. The medals are in two sizes. There were three types of medals: 1. The Svensksund Medal 2. The Fredrikshamn Medal 3. The Combination Medal The Combination medal for valor were awarded to those who participated in both battles. The text on the reverse side of respective medal: The Svensksund Medal: 53 FIENTELIGE FARTYG ERÖFRADE DEN 9 JULII 1790 The Fredrikshamn Medal: 40 FIENTELIGE FARTYG ERÖFRADE DEN 15 MAII 1790 The Combination Medal: 40 FIENTELIGE FARTYG ERÖFRADE DEN 15 MAII OCH 53 DEN 9 JULII 1790 The above text on respective medal reads “40 / 53 enemy ships captured on 15 May 1790 / 9 July 1790”
The Fredrikshamn medal, obverse and reverse side of the medal.

Medals for Men, Early 1900s

Top, Medal for Bravery in Battle, silver. Bottom, Medal of the Sword, silver.
Top, Medal for Marksman, silver. Bottom left, Badge for Marksman, silver. Bottom right, Badge for Marksman, voluntary rifle clubs.

Present-Day Medals

Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit (1995 - 2009)

The Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit (Swe: Försvarsmaktens förtjänstmedalj) is a military reward medal established in 1995. The medal, in silver or gold, has been awarded to personnel who performed extraordinary effort that benefited the Swedish Armed Forces, for example, with resourcefulness and energetically action and with an example of excellent leadership and personal commitment. In 2007, this medal was merged with the Swedish Armed Forces International Service Medal of Reward and instead the Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit was established in 2008. The medal is of the 8th size and the ribbon is of yellow moiré. A sword in gold/silver may be attached to the ribbon. The image to the right shows the Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit in gold. Image: Army Museum.

Swedish Armed Forces International Service Medal of Reward (1995–2009)

The Swedish Armed Forces International Service Medal of Reward (Swe: Försvarsmaktens belöningsmedalj för internationella insatser) in gold or silver with Sword is a is a military reward medal established in 1995. The regulations for the Swedish Armed Forces International Service Medal of Reward comes under the Supreme Commander's decision on 14 March 1995 which reads as follows: “The medal and a certificate is awarded to individual as a reward for commendable efforts during UN service or other international service”. In 2007, this medal was merged with the Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit (the 1995 medal) and instead the Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit was established in 2008. The image to the right shows the the Swedish Armed Forces International Service Medal of Reward in gold with the sword. Image Wikipedia.

Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit 2008 -

The Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit (Swe: Försvarsmaktens förtjänstmedalj) is a military reward medal instituted on 8 february 2008 and is awarded to individuals for action during combat or during war-like situations. The decision to award the medal is taken by the Supreme Commander and can be awarded to both Swedish and foreign personnel. The Medal of Merit established in 2008 can be awarded regardless of the circumstances prevailing at the time of the operation; national, international operations, actions during war-like circumstances or other personal effort or activity. The medal is divided into two classes, gold medal and silver medal. The obverse side shows the Swedish Armed Forces heraldic arms and around the outer edge the text "FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICES" (FÖR FÖRTJÄNSTFULLA INSATSER). The reverse shows around the outer edge a laurel wreath and is otherwise smooth and can be equipped with the holder's name, year of awarding and, if appropriate, country. The medal is also made in miniature. In each class, the medal can be awarded either for actions in battle or during war-like situations or for personal efforts in other circumstances. The medal is worn with a blue ribbon with a broad yellow stripe in the middle and one narrow on each side. On the ribbon there is an erect sword in gold or silver if the medal is awarded for actions in combat or during war-like situations. The medal was established in 2008 through a merger between the Swedish Armed Forces International Service Medal of Reward and the former Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit. These two medals are no longer awarded. The image to the right shows the Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit in silver coated with a sword in silver. Image: Wikipedia. Instead of the medal, the service ribbon can be worn. It's provided with a horizontal sword of gold or silver if the medal awarded for actions in combat or during war-like situations. The image to the right shows the service ribbon of the Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit. Image: Wikipedia.

Swedish Armed Forces Medal for Wounded in Battle

The Swedish Armed Forces Medal for Wounded in Battle (Swe: Försvarsmaktens medalj för sårade i strid) is a reward medal awarded to Swedish Armed Forces personnel wounded directly or indirectly as a result of battle during international mission. The medal was instituted by the government on 25 March 2011 and was developed by the Swedish Armed Forces in collaboration with the Kungl. Maj:ts orden and the National Swedish Museums of Military History with its Board of Military Traditions. The medal is available in gold and silver and is worn in with ribbon where the red symbolizes the blood and the black mourning. The silver medal is awarded to Swedish Armed Forces personnel wounded in action. The gold medal can be posthumously awarded to those who had been killed in action. On the medal is a laurel wreath and the text "With life at stake" (Med livet som insats) and "For Sweden" (För Sverige) and the name of the person who receives it. The image to the right shows the Swedish Armed Forces Medal for Wounded in Battle. Image Swedish Armed Forces. Instead of the medal, the service ribbon can be worn. It can be provided with one or two stars of silver. The mage to the right shows the service ribbon of the the Swedish Armed Forces Medal for Wounded in Battle. Image: Wikipedia.

Service Ribbon

A medal ribbon, service ribbon, or ribbon bar is a small ribbon, mounted on a small metal bar equipped with an attaching device, which is generally issued for wear in place of a medal when it is not appropriate to wear the actual medal. Each country's government has its own rules on what ribbons can be worn in what circumstances and in which order.
Military Hans Högman
Copyright © Hans Högman 2021-01-11

Swedish Military

Orders and Medals of

Bravery

Orders

An order is a visible honor awarded by a sovereign state, monarch, dynastic royal house or organization to a recipient, typically in recognition of individual merit, that often comes with distinctive insignia such as collars, medals, badges, and sashes worn by recipients.

The Royal Order of the Sword - Svärdsorden

The Order of the Sword is a Swedish order of chivalry and military decoration created by King Frederick I of Sweden on February 23, 1748, together with the Order of the Seraphim and the Order of the Polar Star. The motto of the Order of the Sword is in Latin: Pro Patria (which means "For the Fatherland" (Swe: För Fosterlandet)). There were originally two grades, Knight (Riddare) and Commander (Kommendör). In 1772 a third grade was added, Commander Grand Cross (Kommendör med stora korset). In 1873 respectively 1889 these were multiplied by division into two classes. Grades: 1. Commander Grand Cross (1772) 2. Commander First Class (1873) 3. Commander 4. Knight First Class (1889) 5. Knight The Order of the Sword are awarded to officers as an award for bravery in battle and particularly long or useful service in times of piece. The cross in the Order of the Sword is a Maltese Cross with a blue enameled center with a sword surrounded by the Swedish Three Crowns. The ribbon is yellow and blue. Riddare av Svärdsorden (Knights) are abbreviated RSO and Kommendör av Svärdsorden (Commanders) KSO. As a special dignity, King Gustav III added the Knight Grand Cross (Riddare med stora korset) in 1788, which can only be awarded in a state of war. It was in 1814 divided into two classes: Knight Grand Cross First Class (Riddare med stora korset av första klass) and Knight Grand Cross (Riddare med stora korset). The Grand Cross has a belonging chain. Membership of the order has not been awarded since 1975, but technically it still exists.

Badge of the Sword - Svärdstecknet

The above grades proper were only given to commissioned officers, but an affiliated decoration, the Badge of the Sword (Svärdstecknet), introduced in 1850, was awarded to non-commissioned officers; one thus decorated would call himself a Sword man (Svärdsman). The badge of the Order is a white enameled Maltese Cross in saltire.

Medal of the Sword - Svärdsmedaljen

The Medal of the Sword (Svärdsmedaljen) was introduced for the other ranks (Swe: Underbefäl och manskap). Both the non-commissioned officers and the other ranks had to have served for at least sixteen years to qualify respective for the Badge and Medal. The Medal of the Sword is of also of silver and round with a royal crown on it upper side. The Medal of the Sword was instituted by King Oscar on 26 June 1850. The image to the right shows the Medal of the Sword “Svärdsmedaljen”. Image, Armémuseum on Digitaltmuseum.

War Cross of the Order of the Sword -

Svärdsordens krigskors

In 1952 a special medal of distinction was added to the order. These could only be bestowed in a state of war. They are the War Cross of the Order of the Sword in Gold, in Silver and in Bronze.

Source References

Wikipedia "Om tapperhetsmedaljer till underofficerare och manskap", Birgitta Törnell, 1963. The Swedish Armed Forces The Royal Household (Hovstaten) Nationalencyklopedin Nordisk familjeordbok, 19th century edition Top of page
Riddare av svärdsorden, RSO.Knight, RSO. Kommendör av svärdsorden, KSO.Commander, KSO.

Medals

A medal awarded for bravery, commonly called a Medal of Bravery, Bravery Medal, or Medal of Valor is a type of medal, usually associated with military forces or police forces, given to personnel who have served with gallantry, often for those who have engaged in specific acts of bravery or valor.

Medals of Valor in the Field and at Sea

These two medals for bravery was created by King Gustav III in 1789 and was meant to complement to the Order of the Sword which are only awarded to officers. For Valor in the Field (För tapperhet i fält), awarded from 28 May 1789 - the first Gallantry Award. For Valor at Sea (För tapperhet till sjöss), awarded from 1807/09. These medals were originally intended for non- commissioned officers and enlisted men and in silver. However, in 1806 a version in gold was introduced for commissioned offices, Gold medal for Valor in the Field (Guldmedalj för tapperhet i fält). In the war with Russia 1788 - 1790 a total of 1,900 medals were bestowed for valor in the field and 800 for valor at sea. The medal for Valor at Sea was bestowed to the Army Fleet only. The design is a round medal. The obverse side shows the name of the medal, "FÖR TAPPERHET I FÄLT" or "FÖR TAPPERHET TILL SJÖSS" encircled by a wreath. The reverse side has since 1809 been decorated by the symbol of the Order of the Sword. Before that, the reverse carried a picture of Gustav III and the text "GUSTAV III SVERIGES KONUNG" ("Gustav III King of Sweden"). A band in blue and yellow has been issued with the awards since 1819. The image to the right shows the Silver Medal of Valor in the Field, reverse side. Army Museum. The image to the left shows the Gold Medal of Valor in the Field, reverse side, officers. Livrustkammaren. The corresponding medal for the Navy is the Distinction Badge for Valor at Sea (Distinktionstecknet för tapperhet till sjöss or Örlogsflottans hederstecken). The Navy medal is bestowed at a state of war to non-commissioned officers and enlisted men. The medal was introduced on 18 June 1789 by Grand Admiral Duke Carl of Södermanland and are in two grades. The ribbon is yellow and black. The image to the right shows the Navy Distinction Badge for Valor at Sea. Livrustkammaren.

The Fredrikshamn and Svensksund Medals

After the two victorious Army Fleet sea battles at Fredrikshamn and Svensksund in 1790 during the War with Russia 1788 - 1790, King Gustav III created special medals for bravery for the participants in those two battles. The medals are in two sizes. There were three types of medals: 1. The Svensksund Medal 2. The Fredrikshamn Medal 3. The Combination Medal The Combination medal for valor were awarded to those who participated in both battles. The text on the reverse side of respective medal: The Svensksund Medal: 53 FIENTELIGE FARTYG ERÖFRADE DEN 9 JULII 1790 The Fredrikshamn Medal: 40 FIENTELIGE FARTYG ERÖFRADE DEN 15 MAII 1790 The Combination Medal: 40 FIENTELIGE FARTYG ERÖFRADE DEN 15 MAII OCH 53 DEN 9 JULII 1790 The above text on respective medal reads “40 / 53 enemy ships captured on 15 May 1790 / 9 July 1790”
The Fredrikshamn medal, obverse and reverse side of the medal.
Top, Medal for Bravery in Battle, silver. Bottom, Medal of the Sword, silver.
Top, Medal for Marksman, silver. Bottom left, Badge for Marksman, silver. Bottom right, Badge for Marksman, voluntary rifle clubs.

Medals for Men, Early 1900s

Present-Day Medals

Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit (1995

- 2009)

The Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit (Swe: Försvarsmaktens förtjänstmedalj) is a military reward medal established in 1995. The medal, in silver or gold, has been awarded to personnel who performed extraordinary effort that benefited the Swedish Armed Forces, for example, with resourcefulness and energetically action and with an example of excellent leadership and personal commitment. In 2007, this medal was merged with the Swedish Armed Forces International Service Medal of Reward and instead the Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit was established in 2008. The medal is of the 8th size and the ribbon is of yellow moiré. A sword in gold/silver may be attached to the ribbon. The image to the right shows the Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit in gold. Image: Army Museum.

Swedish Armed Forces International Service

Medal of Reward (1995–2009)

The Swedish Armed Forces International Service Medal of Reward (Swe: Försvarsmaktens belöningsmedalj för internationella insatser) in gold or silver with Sword is a is a military reward medal established in 1995. The regulations for the Swedish Armed Forces International Service Medal of Reward comes under the Supreme Commander's decision on 14 March 1995 which reads as follows: “The medal and a certificate is awarded to individual as a reward for commendable efforts during UN service or other international service”. In 2007, this medal was merged with the Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit (the 1995 medal) and instead the Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit was established in 2008. The image to the right shows the the Swedish Armed Forces International Service Medal of Reward in gold with the sword. Image Wikipedia.

Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit 2008 -

The Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit (Swe: Försvarsmaktens förtjänstmedalj) is a military reward medal instituted on 8 february 2008 and is awarded to individuals for action during combat or during war-like situations. The decision to award the medal is taken by the Supreme Commander and can be awarded to both Swedish and foreign personnel. The Medal of Merit established in 2008 can be awarded regardless of the circumstances prevailing at the time of the operation; national, international operations, actions during war-like circumstances or other personal effort or activity. The medal is divided into two classes, gold medal and silver medal. The obverse side shows the Swedish Armed Forces heraldic arms and around the outer edge the text "FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICES" (FÖR FÖRTJÄNSTFULLA INSATSER). The reverse shows around the outer edge a laurel wreath and is otherwise smooth and can be equipped with the holder's name, year of awarding and, if appropriate, country. The medal is also made in miniature. In each class, the medal can be awarded either for actions in battle or during war-like situations or for personal efforts in other circumstances. The medal is worn with a blue ribbon with a broad yellow stripe in the middle and one narrow on each side. On the ribbon there is an erect sword in gold or silver if the medal is awarded for actions in combat or during war-like situations. The medal was established in 2008 through a merger between the Swedish Armed Forces International Service Medal of Reward and the former Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit. These two medals are no longer awarded. The image to the right shows the Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit in silver coated with a sword in silver. Image: Wikipedia. Instead of the medal, the service ribbon can be worn. It's provided with a horizontal sword of gold or silver if the medal awarded for actions in combat or during war-like situations. The image to the right shows the service ribbon of the Swedish Armed Forces Medal of Merit. Image: Wikipedia.

Swedish Armed Forces Medal for Wounded

in Battle

The Swedish Armed Forces Medal for Wounded in Battle (Swe: Försvarsmaktens medalj för sårade i strid) is a reward medal awarded to Swedish Armed Forces personnel wounded directly or indirectly as a result of battle during international mission. The medal was instituted by the government on 25 March 2011 and was developed by the Swedish Armed Forces in collaboration with the Kungl. Maj:ts orden and the National Swedish Museums of Military History with its Board of Military Traditions. The medal is available in gold and silver and is worn in with ribbon where the red symbolizes the blood and the black mourning. The silver medal is awarded to Swedish Armed Forces personnel wounded in action. The gold medal can be posthumously awarded to those who had been killed in action. On the medal is a laurel wreath and the text "With life at stake" (Med livet som insats) and "For Sweden" (För Sverige) and the name of the person who receives it. The image to the right shows the Swedish Armed Forces Medal for Wounded in Battle. Image Swedish Armed Forces. Instead of the medal, the service ribbon can be worn. It can be provided with one or two stars of silver. The mage to the right shows the service ribbon of the the Swedish Armed Forces Medal for Wounded in Battle. Image: Wikipedia.

Service Ribbon

A medal ribbon, service ribbon, or ribbon bar is a small ribbon, mounted on a small metal bar equipped with an attaching device, which is generally issued for wear in place of a medal when it is not appropriate to wear the actual medal. Each country's government has its own rules on what ribbons can be worn in what circumstances and in which order.