History

Awarded by the Chief of Defence, this Medal is primarily conferred upon military and civilian personnel who have rendered faithful service to the Armed Forces for 25 years.

The Medal is also awarded to Norwegian citizens and foreigners who have rendered outstanding services to the Norwegian National Defence, but are not necessarily associated with the Armed Forces.

On October 24, 2011, the statutes of the Medal were amended, and were expanded to include Commanders of the National Guard after rendering 10 years of service.

For every additional 5 years of service, a silver star shaped clasp is added to the recipients ribbon (a single star for 30 years of service, two stars for 35 years of service, and three stars for 40 years of service). There is a maximum of three stars an individual may receive.

The design of this medal is identical to the Defence Service Medal with Laurel Branch (See NOR119 in Medals & Decorations), but is differentiated by associated clasps on the ribbons. The Defence Medal consists of either no clasp on the ribbon, or star clasps for associated years of service, whereas, the Defence Service Medal with Laurel Branch has a laurel branch shaped clasp on the ribbon.