Official abbreviation: M.f.D.R.
Instituted August 19th 1812 by King Frederik 6th.
Awarded in silver to persons who have saved another person from drowning, and in during so has put his own life at most great risk.
Awarded in gold for even more exceptional rescues.
If the medals is awarded twice, the second medal is the Medal for Noble Deeds.
Other information: The medal has only been awarded 40 times since 1936. The gold medal has only been awarded 6 times. As of 2011 there are 28 living recipients of the medal.