Orders, decorations, and medals of Denmark

The award system of Denmark, and especially the regulations for who is allowed to wear which medals, is one of great variation. The current honour-system has been created one step at a time since the 16th century. The system consists of royal orders and medals, official/governmental medals and some few private medals that have been approved by the monarch.

Coat of arms of Denmark

Orders of chivalry

Order of the Elephant
Ribbon Name (English/Danish) Post-nominal abbreviation Date of creation
Date of approval		 Award Criteria
Order of the Elephant
Elefantordenen
 R.E. Early 16th century
Current form 1693
Statutes changed 1958		 Awarded to members of the royal family and to major heads of state.[1][2]

Order of the Dannebrog
Ribbon Name (English/Danish) Post-nominal abbreviation Date of creation
Date of approval		 Award Criteria
Grand Commander S.Kmd 1671 Awarded to 6 members of the Danish Royal Family or royals with a close connection to the family.
Grand Cross S.K. 1671 Awarded to Danish admirals, generals, supreme-court judges, ambassadors, and similar as a reward for very meritorious service and awarded to foreign ambassadors after 3 years of service if their county gives orders to foreign diplomats.
Commander 1st Degree K1 1671 Awarded to Danish admirals, generals, supreme-court judges, ambassadors, and other governmental leaders as a retirement decoration and awarded to foreign chargés d affairs after 3 years of service if their county gives orders to foreign diplomats.
Commander K 1671
Knight 1st Degree R1 1671
Knight R 1671
Cross of Honour of the Order of the Dannebrog
Dannebrogordenens Hæderstegn
 D.Ht 1808 Awarded to Danish members of the Order of Dannebrog who have made themselves worthy of an extra decoration for either merits of life saving.[1][2]

Medals

Civil medals
Ribbon Name (English/Danish) Post-nominal abbreviation Date of creation
Date of approval		 Award Criteria
Medal of Merit in Gold with Crown
Fortjenstmedaljen i Guld med Krone
 F.M.1* 16 May 1792 This medal has no official statutes and may be awarded by the reigning monarch as he/she seems fit.[2]
Medal of Merit in Gold
Fortjenstmedaljen i Guld		 F.M.1 16 May 1792 This medal has no official statutes and may be awarded by the reigning monarch as he/she seems fit.[2]
Medal of Merit in Silver with clasp
Fortjenstmedaljen i Sølv med spænde
 F.M.2.M.SPÆNDE 16 May 1792 This medal has no official statutes and may be awarded by the reigning monarch as he/she seems fit.[2]
Medal of Merit in Silver
Fortjenstmedaljen i Sølv
 F.M.2 16 May 1792 This medal has no official statutes and may be awarded by the reigning monarch as he/she seems fit.[2]
Ingenio et Arti
Ingenio et Arti		 M.i.&a. 31 August 1841 Awarded to artists (musicians, painters, actors and scientists) who have done extremely noteworthy work.[2]
Royal Medal of Recompense in Gold with Crown
Den Kongelige Belønningsmedalje i Guld med Krone
 B.M.1* 4 September 1865 This medal has no official statutes and may be awarded by the reigning monarch as he/she seems fit.[2]
Royal Medal of Recompense in Gold
Den Kongelige Belønningsmedalje i Guld
 B.M.1 4 September 1865 This medal has no official statutes and may be awarded by the reigning monarch as he/she seems fit.[2]
Royal Medal of Recompense in Silver with Crown
Den Kongelige Belønningsmedalje i Sølv med Krone
 B.M.2* 4 September 1865 This medal has no official statutes and may be awarded by the reigning monarch as he/she seems fit.[2]
Royal Medal of Recompense in Silver
Den Kongelige Belønningsmedalje i Sølv		 B.M.2 4 September 1865 This medal has no official statutes and may be awarded by the reigning monarch as he/she seems fit.[2]
Medal for Noble Deeds
Medaljen for Ædel Dåd		 M.f.æ.D. 12 June 1793 Awarded for life saving deeds, where the rescuer has put his own life at great risk in order to save another persons life.[2]
Minister of Justice's Medal
Justitsministerens Medalje		 Jm.M. 12 April 2019 Awarded to Danes as well as foreigners who have made a particularly fearless and / or appreciative effort.[3][4]
Ministry of Justice Medal for Fallen in Service
Justitsministeriets Medalje for Omkommet i Tjeneste		 Jum.M.F. 12 April 2019 Awarded to employees in the Ministry of Justice who have died as a result of a criminal offense in connection with the service.[3][4]
Ministry of Justice Medal for Wounded in Service
Justitsministeriets Medalje for Sårede i Tjeneste		 Jum.M.S. 12 April 2019 Awarded to employees of the Ministry of Justice who have been seriously injured physically or mentally as a result of an offense in connection with the service.[3][4]
Ministry of Justice Medal for International Service
Justitsministeriets Medalje for International Indsats		 Jum. M.I.T. 12 April 2019 Awarded to ministry staff, including police officers, who have made a deserving international effort.[3][4]
Danish Tourism Board Medal of Honor
Danmarks Turistråds Hæderstegn		 D.T.H. 26 February 1963
8 March 1963		 Awarded to persons who have done a special effort to promote Danish tourism. Maximum 5 medals may be awarded each year, and only 2 of these may be awarded to Danes.[2]
Medal of Merit of the Greenlandish Home-Rule
Grønlands Hjemmestyres Fortjenstmedalje
(Greenlandic: Nersonaat)		 Grøn.Hjst.M. 1 May 1989 Awarded in gold or silver for meritious service for Greenland in fields such as public service, business, art or science.[2][5]

Uniformed Service decorations
Ribbon Name (English/Danish) Post-nominal abbreviation Date of creation
Date of approval		 Award Criteria
Valour Cross
Tapperhedskorset
 Fsv.TK. 14 November 2011 Highest award for bravery,[1] comparable to the Victoria Cross or Medal of Honor.[6]
Defence Medal for Bravery
Forsvarets Medalje for Tapperhed		 Fsv.M.T. 30 October 1995 Awarded to military and civilian personnel of the defense who, during combat or terrorist attack, have done heroic deeds.[2][7][8]
Defence Medal for Excellent Service
Forsvarets Medalje for Fremragende Tjeneste		 Fsv.M.F.T. 7 December 2009 Awarded for extraordinary service to the Danish Defence.[7]
Distinguished Flying Medal
Medaljen for Udmærket Lufttjeneste		 M.f.u.Lt. 30 May 1962 Awarded to pilots and crewmembers who, over a longer period of time have been an excellent role model for others, or for very exceptional and dangerous rescue operations of persons or material, done without taking unnecessary risk.[2][7][8]
Defence Medal for Fallen in Service
Forsvarets medalje for Faldne i Tjeneste		 Fsv.M.F. 1 January 2010 Awarded to personnel killed in the line of duty, as a result from "acts of weaponry", including mines used in combat or during terrorist attacks.[7]
Defence Medal for Wounded in Service
Forsvarets medalje for Sårede i Tjeneste		 Fsv.M.S. 1 January 2010 Awarded to personnel wounded in the line of duty, as a result from "acts of weaponry", including mines used in combat or during terrorist attacks.[7]
Navy Long Service Medal
Hæderstegn for God Tjeneste ved Søetaten		 Ht.S. 29 January 1801 Awarded to personnel in the Danish Navy for 25 and 40 years of nonstop consecutive service.[2][8]
Army Long Service Medal
Hæderstegn for God Tjeneste ved Hæren		 Ht.H. 26 September 1945 Awarded to personnel in the Danish Army for 25 and 40 years of nonstop consecutive service.[2][8]
Air Force Long Service Medal
Hæderstegn for God Tjeneste ved Flyvevåbnet		 Ht.F. 11 March 1953 Awarded to personnel in the Danish Air Force for 25 and 40 years of nonstop consecutive service.[2][8]
Armed Forces Long Service Medal
Hæderstegn for God Tjeneste		 F.Ht. 11 March 1953 Awarded to personnel in the Danish Armed Forces, who are not eligible for the branch-specific medals, for 25 and 40 years of nonstop consecutive service.[2][8]
Reserve Long Service Medal
Hæderstegn for God Tjeneste i Forsvarets Reserve		 Ft.Fsv.R. 16 April 1978 Awarded to personnel in the Danish Armed Forces Reserve after 25 years of service.[2][8]
Medal of the Minister of Defence
Forsvarsministerens Medalje		 Fm.M. 7 December 2009 Awarded by the Minister of Defense to whomever he seems fit. Awarded for meritorious non-combat deeds, heroism outside of combat and personnel killed in action outside of combat.[7]
Defence Medal for Meritorious Service
Forsvarets Medalje for Fortjenstfuld Indsats		 Fsv.M.3. 27 November 1991
1 January 2010		 Originally awarded for meritorious deployment outside of Denmark. After 2010 awarded to civilians or military personnel who have done meritorious service to the better of the Danish Defence.[2][7]
Defense Medal for International Service, Single Deployment
Forsvarets Medalje for International Tjeneste, Enkeltmandsudsendelse		 Fsv.M.I.T. Awarded for international deployment alone
Defense Medal for International Service, Afghanistan
Forsvarets Medalje for International Tjeneste, Afghanistan		 Fsv.M.I.T. 1 January 2010 Awarded for international deployment with the Danish Armed forces in Afghanistan (ISAF or similar)[7]
Defense Medal for International Service, Kosovo
Forsvarets Medalje for International Tjeneste, Kosovo		 Fsv.M.I.T. 1 January 2010 Awarded for international deployment with the Danish Armed forces in Kosovo (KFOR or similar)[7]
Defense Medal for International Service, Lebanon
Forsvarets Medalje for International Tjeneste, Libanon		 Fsv.M.I.T. 1 January 2010 Awarded for international deployment with the Danish Armed forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL or similar)[7]
Defense Medal for International Service, Gulf of Aden
Forsvarets Medalje for International Tjeneste, Adenbugten		 Fsv.M.I.T. Awarded for international deployment with the Danish Armed forces in the Gulf of Aden (OOS)
Defense Medal for International Service, Syria
Forsvarets Medalje for International Tjeneste, Middelhavet		 Fsv.M.I.T. Awarded for participation in Removal of chemical weapons from Syria (RECSYR)
Defense Medal for International Service 1948-2009
Forsvarets Medalje for International Tjeneste 1948-2009		 Fsv.M.I.T. 48-09. 2015 Awarded for international deployment with the Danish Armed forces any time between 1948 and 2009
Homeguard Medal of Merit
Hjemmeværnets Fortjensttegn		 Hjv.Ft. 11 February 1959 Awarded to personnel who have made a special contribution to the Danish Homeguard, normally awarded to Company Commanders, Politicians and similar.[2][8][9]






 Homeguard 25 Years Service Decoration
Hjemmeværnets 25 års-tegn

Homeguard 40 Years Service Decoration
Hjemmeværnets 40 års-tegn

Homeguard 50 Years Service Decoration
Hjemmeværnets 50 års-tegn

Homeguard 60 Years Service Decoration
Hjemmeværnets 60 års-tegn		 Hjv.25.


Hjv.40.


Hjv.50.


Hjv.60.		 25 November 1973


6 September 1988


12 April 2000


12 June 2009		 Awarded to personnel of the Danish Homeguard after 25, 40, 50 and 60 years of service.[2][8][9]
Civil Defense Long Service Medal
Hæderstegnet for 25 års god tjeneste i Civilforsvaret		 H.T.C.F 25 April 1963 Awarded for 25 years of meritorious service in the Civil Defense[2][10]
Badge of Honor of the League of Civil Defense
Beredskabsforbundets Hæderstegn		 B.F.Ht. 9 November 1956 Awarded for noteworthy work for the Civil Defense cause in Denmark, over a prolonged period of time (15 years). Normally awarded to Civil Defense leaders, fire chiefs, politicians and similar persons.[2][10]
Rescue Preparedness Medal
Redningsberedskabets Medalje		 R.B 20 April 1994 Awarded for participation in humanitarian international operations outside the borders of Denmark[2][10]
Fire Department Long Service Medal
Hæderstegn for God Tjeneste i Brandvæsnet		 Ht.g.T.B. 5 December 1973 Awarded for 25 years of meritorious service in the municipal fire services[2][10]
Police Long Service Medal
Hæderstegn for God Tjeneste i Politiet		 Ht.P 18 June 1959 Awarded for 25 years of meritorious service in the Danish police[2]
Badge of Honor of the Reserve Officers Association of Denmark
Reserveofficersforeningen i Danmarks Hæderstegn		 R.O.Ht. 27 April 1950 Awarded by the Danish Reserve Officers Association to whomever they find are in need of honors. Normally only awarded in 2-3 specimens a year[2]
Medal of Honor of the Chamber of Danish Handicraft
Håndværksrådets Hæderstegn		 H.Ht. 19 February 1965
6 March 1965		 Awarded in silver for 10 years in a leading position in a handicraft-union or similar. Gold awarded after 25 years.[2]
Badge of Honor of the Society of Danish Military Athletics
Dansk Militært Idrætsforbunds Hæderstegn		 D.M.If.Ht. 23 November 1968
5 September 1967		 Awarded to persons who have done a special effort to promote the voluntary athletics in the Danish Military.[2][7][11]
Danish Red Cross Badge of Honor
Dansk Røde Kors Hæderstegn		 D.r.K.Ht. 19 February 1916 Awarded for special, and normally prolonged, service to the Danish Red Cross. To be awarded the Badge of Honor, one must already have the Badge of Merit 1st Class.[2][12]
Danish Red Cross Medal for Merit
Dansk Røde Kors Fortjensttegn		 D.r.K.Ft.
D.r.K.Ft.I.		 28 March 1963 Awarded to persons in volunteer leading positions in the Red Cross. 2nd class typically awarded after 4–6 years as a member of central board, 8–10 years as a section-manager or equal, or after 12–15 years as a member of a local board or equal. 1st class typically awarded after 6–10 years work, after being awarded the 2nd class medal.[2][12]
Danish Blue Berets Peace Prize Medal
De Blå Baretters Fredsprismedalje		 F.P.M 1995 Commemorative medal, celebrating the Nobel Peace Prize to UN forces. May be awarded to all veterans of international UN operations.[2][7]

Commemorative medals
Ribbon Name (English/Danish) Post-nominal abbreviation Date of creation
Date of approval		 Award Criteria
Commemorative Medal for the Golden Wedding of King Christian IX and Queen Louise
Erindringstegnet i anledning af Kong Christian IX og Dronning Louises Guldbryllup		 Gb.E.T. 26 May 1892 Awarded to those related to the Royal Court at the day of Golden Wedding; family members, employees and others.
King Christian IX Memorial Medal
Kong Christian den Niendes Mindemedalje		 C.IX.M.M. 13 February 1906 The medal was awarded to those guardsmen who had been on guard when the King died on January 29, 1906.
King Frederik VIII Memorial Medal
Kong Frederik den Ottendes Mindemedalje		 Fr.VIII.M.M. 10 July 1912 Awarded to military personnel who helped in the transportation of the King's remains and who stood guard at the King's funeral.
King Christian X Military Commemorative Medal
Kong Christian den Tiendes Militære Erindringsmedaille		 5 May 1914 King Christian X (then Prince) was the first royal person to undergo basic military training together with a normal team of conscripts. The prince himself had gone to the King (his grandfather, Christian IX), and asked to undergo normal military training without any special regards to his royal background. On the 25th anniversary of his entry into the military, he held a celebration and this medal was given to all his old army comrades.
Commemorative Medal of the Royal Mounted Guardsmen
Hestgardens Erindringsmedalje		 31 May 1916 Awarded to a total of 51 persons on the 50th anniversary of the repeal of the Mounted Guardsmen.
King Christian X Commemorative Medal of the Cavalry Second Lieutenant-, Sergeant, and Corporal Academy
Christian den Niendes Erindringsmedaille fra Rytteriets Sekondløjtnant-, Sergent-, og Korporalskole		 4 November 1926 Awarded on the 25th anniversary of the King's enrollment to the school, to 38 of the Kings old classmates, at a private party held by the King.
Commemotative Medal for the 25th Anniversary of King Christian X's Matriculation from the Military Academy
Kong Christian den Tiendes Erindringstegn fra Officersskolen		 20 March 1916 Awarded to the military comrades of King Christian on the 25th anniversary of the matriculation from the Military Officers Academy.
Medal for the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of King Christian IX
Mindemedaillen i Anledning af Hundredeårsdagen for Kong Christian den Niendes Fødsel		 11 March 1918 Awarded to members of the royal house and to personal servants of King Christian IX. Awarded to 43 members of the royal family and 172 servants.
Medal of the 50th anniversary of King Christian X's Matriculation from the Military Academy
Kong Christian den Tiendes Erindringsmedaille til Minde om 50-års dagen for Hans Majestæts Afgang fra Officersskolen		 20 March 1941 Awarded to the military comrades of King Christian on the 50th anniversary of the matriculation from the Military Officers' Academy.
Medal for the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of King Frederik VIII
Mindemedaillen i Anledning af Hundredeårsdagen for Kong Frederik den Ottendes Fødsel		 M.M.3.juni
1843-1943 		29 April 1943 Awarded to members of the royal house and to personal servants of King Frederik VIII. Awarded to 23 members of the royal family and 79 servants.
King Christian X Memorial Medal
Kong Christian den Tiendes Mindemedaille		 26 September 1947 Awarded to military personnel who helped in the transportation of the King's remains and who stood guard at the King's funeral, and to those Royal Guardsmen who stood guard when the King died.
Medal for the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of King Christian X
Mindemedaillen i Anledning af Hundredeårsdagen for Kong Christian den Tiendes Fødsel		 M.M.26.sept.
1870-1970 		9 September 1970 Awarded to only the 12 closest family members of the deceased King.
King Frederik IX Memorial Medal
Kong Frederik den Niendes Mindemedaille		 Fr.IX.M.M. 30 June 1972 Awarded to military personnel who helped in the transportation of the King's remains and who stood guard at the King's funeral, and to those Royal Guardsmen who stood guard when the King died, and a few others with special merits to the King.
Commemorative Medal for the 50th Anniversary of Queen Ingrid's Arrival to Denmark
Erindringsmedaillen i Anledning af 50-års-dagen for Hendes Majestæt Dronning Ingrids Ankomst til Danmark		 Dr.I.E.M. 15 May 1985 Awarded to 15 members of the Royal House and 35 employees of the Queen's Court.
Commemorative Medal on the Occasion of the 50th Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe
Erindringsmedalje i Anledningen af Hendes Majestæt Dronningens 50-års Fødselsdag		 EM.16.apr.1990 6 April 1990 Awarded to persons outside the Royal Court who had given special services to the Queen.
Commemorative Medal on the Occasion of the Silver Wedding of Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince Consort
Erindringsmedaljen i anledning af Hendes Majestæt Dronning Margrethe og Hans Kongelige Højhed Prins Henriks sølvbryllup		 S.E.m. 10 June 1992 Awarded to those related to the Royal Court on the Silver Wedding anniversary of the Queen and the Prince Consort; family members, employees and others.
Commemorative Medal for the Silver Jubilee of Queen Margarethe of Denmark
Erindringsmedaljen i anledning af H.M. Dronning Margrethes II´s 25-års regeringsjubilæum		 R.E.m. 14 January 1997 Awarded to those related to the Royal Court on Queen Margarethe's Silver Jubilee; family members, employees and others.
Medal for the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of King Frederik IX
Mindemedaillen i Anledning af Hundredeårsdagen for Kong Frederik den Niendes Fødsel		 M.M.11.marts
1899-1999		 8 March 1999 Awarded to members of the royal house and to personal servants of King Frederik IX. Awarded to 21 members of the royal family and 110 servants.
Queen Ingrid Commemorative Medal
Dronning Ingrids Mindemedalje		 Dr.I.M.M. 28 March 2001 Awarded to close relatives of Queen Ingrid, servants with special ties to the Queen, and to persons who helped with the funeral. 375 medals awarded in total.
Prince Henriks 75th Birthday Medal
Medaljen for Prins Henriks 75-års Fødselsdag		 Em.11.juni.2009 11 June 2009 Awarded to those related to the Royal Court on Prince Henrik's 75th birthday; family members, employees and others.
Commemorative Medal on the Occasion of the 70th Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe
Erindringsmedalje i Anledningen af Hendes Majestæt Dronningens 70-års Fødselsdag		 EM.16.apr.2010 16 April 2010 Awarded to those related to the Royal Court on Queen Margrethe's 70th birthday; family members, employees and others.
Commemorative Medal for the Ruby Jubilee of Queen Margarethe of Denmark
Erindringsmedaille i anledning af Hendes Majestæt Dronningens 40 års regeringsjubilæum		 R.40.Em. 14 January 2012 Awarded to those related to the Royal Court on Queen Margarethe's Ruby Jubilee; family members, employees and others.
Commemorative Medal on the Occasion of the 75th Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe
Erindringsmedalje i Anledningen af Hendes Majestæt Dronningens 75-års Fødselsdag		 EM.16.apr.2015 16 April 2015 Awarded to those related to the Royal Court on Queen Margrethe's 75th birthday; family members, employees and others.
Commemorative Medal for the Golden Wedding of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe and His Royal Highness Prince Henrik
Erindringsmedaillen i anledning af Hendes Majestæt Dronning Margrethes og Hans Kongelige Højhed Prins Henriks guldbryllup		 G.Em. 10 Juni 2017 Awarded to those related to the Royal Court at the day of Golden Wedding; family members and employees.[13]
Prince Henrik's Commemorative Medal
Prins Henriks Mindemedaille		 Pr.H.Mm. 11 Juni 2018 Awarded for service in connection with the death and funeral of HKH Prince Henrik.[14]
Commemorative Medal on the Occasion of the 80th Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe
Erindringsmedalje i Anledningen af Hendes Majestæt Dronningens 80-års Fødselsdag		 EM.16.apr.2020 16 April 2020 Awarded to those related to the Royal Court on Queen Margrethe's 80th birthday; family members, employees and others.

Historic

Historic Orders

Historic Medals

References
  1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-11-24. Retrieved 2010-11-14.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) (Danish)
  2. Lars Stevnsborg's book "Kongeriget Danmarks Medaljer, Ordner og Hæderstegn" ISBN 87-7838-911-9
  3. "Justitsministeren kan nu hædre medarbejdere med medaljer". justitsministeriet.dk (in Danish). 28 April 2019. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  4. "Danske dekorationers indbyrdes rækkefølge". kongehuset.dk/ (in Danish). Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  5. Website of the Greenlandish Home-rule
  6. Omsd
  7. Danish Ministry of Defense
  8. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-11-14. Retrieved 2010-11-14.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) Website of Danish Military Medals (Outdate and in Danish)
  9. http://www.hjv.dk Danish Homeguard
  10. Danish Emergency Management Agency
  11. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2014-07-14.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) Regulations on the medal (Danish)
  12. http://drk.dk/ Danish Red Cross
  13. Erindringsmedaille kongehuset.dk (Danish)
  14. Mindemedaille for Prins Henrik kongehuset.dk (Danish)
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