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When was the Freedom Cross created?

King Haakon VII started this special medal in May 1945. This was right after the war in Europe ended and the Nazis finally left Norway. It was created to honor the brave people who fought for freedom during the five long years of occupation.

Who was King Haakon VII?

King Haakon VII was the leader of Norway during World War II. When Germany attacked his country in 1940, he refused to surrender and escaped to England to lead the fight from there. He stayed a powerful symbol of hope and courage for the Norwegian people until the war was won.

Is the Freedom Cross still given out today?

No, this medal is no longer given out to people today. It was designed specifically to honor service performed during the tough years of World War II. Once the war ended and the country was rebuilt, the government stopped issuing this award.

What does the cross look like?

The medal is shaped like an eight-pointed cross and is covered in bright white enamel. The middle of the cross shows the special royal mark of the King. It stands as a beautiful symbol of the freedom that the people of Norway worked so hard to get back.

Could civilians earn this award?

Yes, people who were not in the military could earn this honor. It was given to brave leaders who organized the secret resistance groups inside Norway. It was also awarded to foreign friends from other countries who provided important help to win the fight for freedom.

When was the Freedom Cross created?

King Haakon VII started this special medal in May 1945. This was right after the war in Europe ended and the Nazis finally left Norway. It was created to honor the brave people who fought for freedom during the five long years of occupation.

Who was King Haakon VII?

King Haakon VII was the leader of Norway during World War II. When Germany attacked his country in 1940, he refused to surrender and escaped to England to lead the fight from there. He stayed a powerful symbol of hope and courage for the Norwegian people until the war was won.

Is the Freedom Cross still given out today?

No, this medal is no longer given out to people today. It was designed specifically to honor service performed during the tough years of World War II. Once the war ended and the country was rebuilt, the government stopped issuing this award.

What does the cross look like?

The medal is shaped like an eight-pointed cross and is covered in bright white enamel. The middle of the cross shows the special royal mark of the King. It stands as a beautiful symbol of the freedom that the people of Norway worked so hard to get back.

Could civilians earn this award?

Yes, people who were not in the military could earn this honor. It was given to brave leaders who organized the secret resistance groups inside Norway. It was also awarded to foreign friends from other countries who provided important help to win the fight for freedom.

Home Library NorwayKing Haakon VII Freedom Cross

Distinguished service decoration

King Haakon VII Freedom Cross

A World War II decoration honoring exceptional service toward the liberation of Norway.

Norway Established 1945 All servicesPrecedence: 5th in the Norwegian order of precedence

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for outstanding military or civilian service in the struggle for Norwegian independence.

Eligibility

Norwegian citizens and foreign allies who provided crucial wartime support.

Branch

All services

Precedence

5th in the Norwegian order of precedence

King Haakon VII Freedom Cross, Distinguished service decoration, Norway medal

History

King Haakon VII instituted this award in May 1945 right after Allied victory in Europe ended the occupation of Norway. It was established to honor outstanding civil and military service performed during the five long years of conflict.

The medal was particularly designed to honor leaders, organizers of the Norwegian resistance movement, and foreign officials who aided Norway's fight for freedom. It was awarded primarily during the immediate postwar years and is no longer actively issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War II

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