History

Established by King Haakon VII, this medal was initially instituted as the Medal of St. Olav (See NOR110 in Medals & Decorations). On March 22, 1943, the medal of St. Olav was conferred with an oak leaf and it was not until 2010 when King Harald V declared the Medal of St. Olav with an Oak Leaf, as its own decoration entirely.

At it’s initial institution this Medal was conferred as a medal of merit to recognize efforts in WWII, this was expanded on Februrary 6, 1942, to recognize personal effort. The statutes of this Medal were amended once again on December 10, 2010, and is now conferred to Norwegians or foreigners, military and civilian personnel who have rendered distinguishing services through their brave and outstanding ability to lead during wartime or in personal effort.

When conferred for an additional time, another oak leaf clasp is added to the ribbon, to represent gallantry, strength, and patriotism. Previously, there was a limit of three oak leaves, but when the statutes were amended in 2010, there was no longer a restriction on the amount of clasps an individual may be awarded.

This Medal may be awarded posthumously.

The obverse design of this Medal consists of the Royal portrait of the reigning monarch, and his motto. The reverse design consists of a clover leaf cross, also known as an Olav Cross. The Medal is surmounted by the reigning kings monogram, and a royal crown.