The medal was instituted by Gustav III on 28 May 1789, during his war against Russia and was meant to complement the Order of the Sword—which was instituted on 23 February 1748 and was awarded for the same purpose—valour in the field or at sea—but only to officers.
The medal was introduced by Gustav III on 28 May 1789, as part of his war effort against Russia, with the goal of complementing the Order of the Sword, which had been established in 1748 to honor officers for their bravery in combat.