Major Anders Eckerberg and Lieutenant Colonel Liridona Dauti are both awarded the Military Cross of the Second Class for actions during combat in Afghanistan in 2011. Eckerberg is recognized for leading his company under difficult conditions, and Dauti for decisive actions that enabled continued leadership in the battle.
In addition to the new military awards, this year's conferment of orders within the Order of the Sword, Order of the Polar Star, and Order of Vasa was also announced. In total, about 20 individuals have been awarded royal orders of knighthood for contributions of exceptional significance, following nominations from the public and authorities, review by the Order Council, government decision, and formal decision by the King in the chapter of the order. The presentation of these orders will take place at a ceremony at the Royal Palace on May 28.
Among the recipients of the First Class of the Order of the Sword is Lieutenant Colonel Marcus Sandqvist, who has been the Deputy Defense Attaché to Ukraine during the ongoing war. He is awarded the distinction for strategically significant contributions and personal follow-ups in the war zone. Major Harald Glans receives the same award for his leadership of the Swedish effort during the earthquake disaster in Turkey in 2023, where his actions contributed to saving five lives.
Corporal Henrik Lindqvist is awarded the Sword Medal in silver for skillful actions in a hostile-controlled area during an international mission, which, according to the citation, significantly contributed to the operation's success—without own losses and without bloodshed. More details are not provided in the official documentation.
Sara Ålbrink, strategic buyer at the Swedish Armed Forces, is awarded the Knight's Cross of the Order of the Polar Star for her work in rebuilding the Swedish Armed Forces' capability for strategic transports, which strengthens the capability within host nation support.
Within the Order of Vasa, among others, Director Gunilla Arhén, founder of the leadership development program Ruter Dam, is awarded the Commander's Cross for long-term work in promoting women's leadership, including within the Swedish Armed Forces. Honorary Doctor of Technology Håkan Lans is granted the same rank for outstanding contributions as an inventor in areas including navigation and computer systems, with several innovations developed during or in connection with his time at the Swedish Defense Research Agency.