What is 10 Second War Stories?

10 Second War Stories brings military history to life through stories, veteran profile, force profiles, and equipment guides across all nations and conflicts.

Does this medal require fighting an enemy?

No, you do not need to be in a fight to get this medal. It is given for brave acts where someone risks their own life to save others. You can earn it during accidents, rescues, or in war zones like Afghanistan. It is meant to honor people who act with great courage in any dangerous situation.

When was the medal established?

The Norwegian Ministry of Defence created this medal in 1982. It was made to recognize soldiers who show special bravery. Since then, it has been given to those who put others before themselves. It remains an important way to show thanks for heroic life-saving work.

What color is the ribbon?

The ribbon of this medal is a bright red color. It has three thin yellow stripes that run up and down the ribbon. These colors make the medal stand out on a uniform. It is a symbol that tells others the wearer has done something very brave.

Can the medal be awarded with a laurel branch?

Yes, a small metal laurel branch can be added to the medal. This is given to people who take part in a very dangerous rescue mission. It shows that the person faced an even higher risk than usual. It is a sign of extreme courage and selflessness.

Who decides who receives it?

A special group of people called an honors committee reviews each story of bravery. They look at all the facts to see if the action was truly heroic. After they finish, the Chief of Defence makes the final choice. This careful process ensures that only the most deserving heroes get the award.

Does this medal require fighting an enemy?

No, you do not need to be in a fight to get this medal. It is given for brave acts where someone risks their own life to save others. You can earn it during accidents, rescues, or in war zones like Afghanistan. It is meant to honor people who act with great courage in any dangerous situation.

When was the medal established?

The Norwegian Ministry of Defence created this medal in 1982. It was made to recognize soldiers who show special bravery. Since then, it has been given to those who put others before themselves. It remains an important way to show thanks for heroic life-saving work.

What color is the ribbon?

The ribbon of this medal is a bright red color. It has three thin yellow stripes that run up and down the ribbon. These colors make the medal stand out on a uniform. It is a symbol that tells others the wearer has done something very brave.

Can the medal be awarded with a laurel branch?

Yes, a small metal laurel branch can be added to the medal. This is given to people who take part in a very dangerous rescue mission. It shows that the person faced an even higher risk than usual. It is a sign of extreme courage and selflessness.

Who decides who receives it?

A special group of people called an honors committee reviews each story of bravery. They look at all the facts to see if the action was truly heroic. After they finish, the Chief of Defence makes the final choice. This careful process ensures that only the most deserving heroes get the award.

Home Library NorwayArmed Forces Medal for Heroic Deeds

Valor decoration

Armed Forces Medal for Heroic Deeds

An award given to military personnel who risk their own lives to save others.

Norway Established 1982 All servicesPrecedence: 15th in the Norwegian order of precedence

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for brave life-saving actions performed at great personal risk during military duty.

Eligibility

Military personnel and civilians assisting the Norwegian Armed Forces.

Branch

All services

Precedence

15th in the Norwegian order of precedence

Armed Forces Medal for Heroic Deeds, Valor decoration, Norway medal

History

The Armed Forces Medal for Heroic Deeds was created by the Ministry of Defence in 1982. It was designed to recognize acts of personal courage where a service member voluntarily risked death or serious injury to rescue someone else.

Unlike traditional combat valor medals, this medal can be earned in both peaceful emergency conditions and combat zones. For acts of extreme selflessness, the medal can be presented with a laurel branch or in gold, honoring remarkable life-saving valor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Bosnian WarWar in Afghanistan

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Erik Bye, including King Haakon VII Freedom Cross, National Service Medal, Armed Forces Medal for Heroic Deeds, shown against a light Norway flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWII

King Haakon VII Freedom Cross National Service Medal Armed Forces Medal for Heroic Deeds

Erik Bye

Who Was Erik Bye?

A famous Norwegian broadcaster and resistance member.

Norway1940-1945

Read Story

Sources

Back to Norway