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Category: Portugal

The Distinguished Service Medal (Portugal)

The Distinguished Service Medal is a military decoration that honors effort for the Fatherland or for the country’s military institutions.

The Military Medal for Distinguished Services is a Portuguese military decoration awarded for outstanding and extraordinary military services or notable acts connected to the Navy, Army, or Air Force.

Originally established on October 2, 1863, by decree of the Secretary of State for War Affairs, the medal was initially named the Military Medal for Good Services. It was the second of three classes of the military medal at the time. Between 1863 and 1919, the Military Medal for Good Services (now Distinguished Services) was available in two classes: gold (MOBS / MOSD) and silver (MPBS / MPSD). By Decree No. 6093 of September 11, 1919, a bronze degree (MBBS / MBSD) was added to make the medal accessible to sergeants and enlisted men who were previously ineligible.

In 1946, through Decree No. 35667 of May 28, the medal was renamed the Military Medal for Distinguished Services and adopted the design it retains today.

The Distinguished Service Medal Grades

The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded in three degrees:

  • Gold Grade (MOSD)
  • Silver Grade (MPSD)
  • Bronze Grade (MBSD)

The degree is granted based on the achievements and not the rank of the recipient.

When awarded for achievements in a military campaign, the Distinguished Service Medal is conferred with a palm:

  • Gold with Palm (MOSD)
  • Silver with Palm (MPSD)
  • Bronze with Palm (MBSD)

The Distinguished Service Medal Design

The medal is circular and typically bears the national coat of arms on the obverse side, symbolizing the honor and service to the nation. Surrounding the emblem are inscriptions denoting the degree of the medal (Gold, Silver, or Bronze) and the purpose of the award. The reverse side may include the recipient’s name and the date of the award.

The medal is suspended from a ribbon whose color scheme may vary according to the degree. When awarded with a palm, the ribbon includes a palm leaf, indicating that the recipient’s actions were performed in the context of a military campaign. This addition highlights the exceptional nature of the recipient’s service in challenging and dangerous circumstances.

The War Cross (Portugal)

The War Cross is a military decoration established in 1916 and awarded to officers and soldiers who showed courage and determination.

The War Cross is a Portuguese military decoration established by Decree No. 2:870 of the President of the Republic of Portugal on November 30, 1916.

It was created to honor officers and soldiers who demonstrated bravery, determination, composure, and other commendable qualities in the face of the enemy during combat operations.

The Minister of War was designated to award this decoration, with the official statute and design issued on July 26, 1917. Originally, the War Cross had four classes and was awarded to Portuguese soldiers participating in World War I. Later, it was extended to those serving in battles in Portuguese colonies. On May 28, 1946, the statute and design of the decoration were revised, and further changes were made by the Minister of Defense on December 20, 1971.

The War Cross' Award Criteria

According to the 1917 statute, the War Cross could be awarded to Portuguese army officers and soldiers for acts of valor, determination, and composure on the battlefield. The 1946 decree expanded eligibility to include soldiers from allied armies, as well as Portuguese and foreign civilians.

The 1971 decree further specified that the decoration could be awarded to Portuguese soldiers and civilians, both domestic and foreign, who cooperated with the Portuguese army.

The Order 's Design

The War Cross badge is made of bronze and resembles a Maltese cross, formed by the intersection of five circles. The design is consistent across all classes.

The obverse features a central depiction of a woman’s head with a laurel wreath, symbolizing the Republic, surrounded by the inscription “REPÚBLICA PORTUGUESA 1917.” This design is inspired by the French medal of the same name.

Initially, the reverse displayed the coat of arms of Portugal. In the 1946 redesign, the obverse adopted the coat of arms, and the reverse featured the inscription “Cruz de Guerra” (War Cross). The 1971 redesign added two crossed swords and a laurel wreath to the reverse, while the obverse remained as per the 1946 design.

The medal is worn on a red ribbon with seven narrow green stripes. Symbols on the ribbon denote the class:

  • Class I: Golden cross with a laurel wreath
  • Class II: Golden cross
  • Class III: Silver cross
  • Class IV: No additional device

The Military Valor Medal (Portugal)

The Military Valor Medal was established on 2 October 1863, it is awarded for heroic deeds of extraordinary selflessness and bravery.

The Military Valor Medal is a distinguished military decoration and the second highest honor in Portugal. Established on 2 October 1863, it recognizes acts of extraordinary bravery, selflessness, and exceptional decision-making in circumstances of proven or suspected danger to life, whether in war or peace.

The Medal is available in three grades:

  • Gold (Ouro): Awarded for exceptional bravery and selflessness characterized by valor, decisiveness, and willingness to risk one’s life.
  • Silver (Prata): Awarded for bravery and selflessness in the face of danger, characterized by valor and decisiveness.
  • Bronze (Cobre): Awarded for courage and decisiveness, characterized by bravery and selflessness.

The Military Valor Medal Design

Gold Grade

  • Obverse: Features a straight-lined patée cross, chiseled in gold, resting on a circular crown of laurel leaves. At the center is the national emblem, consisting of the national coat of arms on a golden armillary sphere, surrounded by a blue border with the inscription “VALOR MILITAR” in gold letters.
  • Reverse: Plain gold, engraved with the recipient’s name, rank, and the year of award.
  • Ribbon: Made of wavy silk with nine longitudinal stripes (five blue and four white) and a central national shield on a golden armillary sphere. The ribbon bar, buckle, and pendant are also in gold. A golden palm is added to the ribbon when awarded for campaign services.

Silver Grade

Similar to the Gold Grade, but the national coat of arms on the ribbon, ribbon bar, buckle, and pendant are in silver.

Bronze Grade

The Bronze Grade features the ribbon bar, buckle, and pendant in bronze and does not include the national coat of arms on the suspension ribbon.

The Order of Merit of the Portuguese Royal House

The Order of Merit of the Portuguese Royal House is a dynastic order of knighthood conferred for outstanding Merit in the Monarchist Cause.

The Order of Merit of the Portuguese Royal House (or Ordem do Mérito da Casa Real Portuguesa or Ordem do Mérito da Causa Monárquica in Portuguese) is a dynastic order of knighthood awarded for extraordinary services to the Portuguese Royal House and outstanding merit in the Monarchist Cause.

Established by Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza, on 12 April 1993, the Order recognizes exceptional contributions to the Monarchical Cause and services rendered to the Royal House between 1973 and 1993. The Head of the Portuguese Royal House serves as the Royal Patron, while Dr. José António da Cunha Coutinho, Baron of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, is the Chancellor of the Order.

The Order of Merit of the Portuguese Royal House Ranks

The Order includes the following traditional ranks of Knighthood:

  • Grand Collar
  • Grand Cross
  • Commander
  • Knight/Dame
  • Medal of Honour

Previously, the Order also conferred the Medal of Dedication to the Monarchist Cause, Youth Medal of Dedication to the Monarchist Cause, and Youth Medal of Fidelity, but these were discontinued following a reform by the Grand Master.

The Order of Merit of the Portuguese Royal House Design

The sash of the Order is intricately designed, featuring the colors and emblematic elements associated with the Portuguese monarchy. The badge typically includes a cross or star, adorned with the emblem of the Royal House of Braganza, symbolizing loyalty and service to the monarchist cause.

Higher ranks such as the Grand Collar and Grand Cross include more elaborate insignia with gold and enamel details, and are worn with a sash over the shoulder or around the neck.

The Order of Saint Isabel

The Order of Saint Isabel was created in 1801 in honor of Queen Saint Isabel, consort of Portuguese King Denis I.

The Order of Queen Saint Isabel (or Ordem da Rainha Santa Isabel in Portuguese) is a Roman Catholic dynastic order currently headed by the Duchess of Braganza as its Grand Mistress.

The Order was established on 4 November 1801 by King John VI of Portugal in honor of Queen Saint Isabel, the consort of King Denis I of Portugal. King John VI invested his wife, Carlota Joaquina, as the first Grand Mistress of the Order.

Following the replacement of the monarchy with a republic on 5 October 1910, the Order, being dynastic in nature, continued to be conferred by the exiled King Manuel II of Portugal. After his death, the Order’s Grand Mistress insignia continued to be used by the Queen and Queen Mother.

In 1986, Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza, re-established the Order of Saint Isabel as an honorific dynastic order of the Portuguese Royal Family, asserting his role as its Sovereign Grand Master. The Duchess of Braganza, as the current Grand Mistress, honors Portuguese noblewomen on Saint Isabel’s feast day, celebrated annually on 4 July at the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova in Coimbra. Since 2000, the Royal House has also bestowed the Order on various queens, princesses, and women dedicated to supporting Portuguese charities.

The Order of Saint Isabel Design

The insignia of the Order features a sash that is pale pink with a white stripe in the center.

The accompanying crowned medallion depicts Queen Saint Isabel giving money to a poor man, surrounded by a frame adorned with roses, symbolizing the Queen’s miracle of the roses.

The motto of the insignia is “Pauperum Solatio,” which means “Consolation of the Poor.“

The Order of Saint Michael of the Wing

The Order of Saint Michael of the Wing is a Portuguese Roman Catholic dynastic order founded around 1147 for the Conquest of Santarém.

The Royal Equestrian and Military Order of Saint Michael of the Wing (or Ordo Equitum Sancti Michaelis sive de Ala in Latin, Real Ordem Equestre e Militar de São Miguel da Ala in Portuguese) is a dynastic Roman Catholic order believed to have been founded in 1147 by King Afonso I of Portugal at the Alcobaça Monastery.

The order was established to commemorate the Conquest of Santarém from the Moors, with the name honoring Saint Archangel Michael, who is said to have appeared in the form of a wing in the sky to aid in the victory.

The medieval history of the Order, including claims of recognition by Pope Alexander III in 1171, is largely based on documents from the 16th to the 18th century. The International Commission on Orders of Chivalry classifies it as an “Institution of chivalric character,” founded as a chivalric order and later revived by the dynastic successors of the original authority (2004). Originally, the knights of the Order were under the jurisdiction of the Abbot of the Cistercian Alcobaça Monastery and shared prayers and duties with other military orders during the Reconquista.

The Order is considered to have been revived twice: first in 1828 or 1848 by King Miguel I of Portugal to support the Miguelist movement, and secondly in 1981 by later Portuguese monarchists, with recognition by the Royal House of Braganza in 1986.

The Order of Saint Michael of the Wing Ranks

The Royal Equestrian and Military Order of Saint Michael of the Wing features several ranks, each with distinct insignia and purposes:

  • Grand Collar: This rank, marked by an insignia surmounted by a crown, is exclusively reserved for the Grand Master. Members of the grand council, such as the Grand Chancellor and Chancellor, wear it without the crown.
  • Grand Cross with Collar of the Royal Brotherhood: This collar, worn by the Grand Master, Royal Patrons, Bishops, Vice-Chancellors, Grand Chaplains, and Judges, as well as Delegates of the Royal Brotherhood when in representative roles, can also be bestowed on royalty, heads of state, and VIP members of the Order for extraordinary services. This collar, instituted in 2021 for the Order’s 850th anniversary, differs from the Grand Collar of the Order.
  • Grand Cross: Worn with a cross on a sash over the right shoulder and a gold plaque on the chest.
  • Grand Officer: Worn with a cross around the neck and a gold breast star.
  • Commander: Worn with a cross around the neck and a silver breast star.
  • Knight: Worn with a cross around the neck, similar in size to the Commander’s cross.

The Order of Saint Michael of the Wing Design

The insignia of the Order of Saint Michael of the Wing is highly symbolic and varies by rank. The Grand Collar, exclusive to the Grand Master, features an elaborate design with a crown. The Grand Cross with Collar of the Royal Brotherhood, instituted in 2021, is notable for its special use in the Order’s anniversary and for its distinction from the traditional Grand Collar.

For the Grand Cross, a cross is worn on a sash draped over the right shoulder, accompanied by a gold plaque. Grand Officers wear the cross around their necks with a gold breast star, while Commanders wear a similar neck cross with a silver breast star. Knights wear a neck cross of the same size as that of the Commanders.

The Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa

The Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa is a dynastic order of knighthood of the House of Braganza established in 1818.

The Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa (or Ordem de Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Vila Viçosa in Portuguese), also known as the Order of Our Lady of Conception of Vila Viçosa, is a dynastic order of knighthood of the House of Braganza, the former Portuguese Royal Family.

The Order was established by King John VI of Portugal in Rio de Janeiro on 6 February 1818, the day of his acclamation, to honor those who protected the spiritual sovereignty of the Kingdom. The Blessed Virgin Mother, under the title of the Immaculate Conception and venerated in the Ducal Chapel of the Palace of Vila Viçosa, had been proclaimed “Queen” and Patroness of Portugal by King John IV in 1646. Following a six-year referendum, the people confirmed their belief in her Immaculate Conception and her role as the reigning Queen of Portugal. This led to the Kings of Portugal no longer wearing a crown.

The Order honored individuals who demonstrated loyalty to the Portuguese Royal House during the war against Bonapartist forces. Initially, it was awarded in four classes: Grand Cross, Commander, Knight, and Servant, with limitations on the number of recipients. Grand Crosses were typically awarded to high-ranking nobles, while lower grades were given to lesser nobles who had provided personal service to the King.

The current Grand Master of the Order is Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza, Head of the House of Braganza.

The Order 's Organization

Primarily bestowed upon Portuguese nobles, the Order is occasionally given to Heads of State and Royal Houses. It has also been awarded to individuals who have significantly contributed to the expansion of the Cult of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Message of Our Lady of Fátima, or the Roman Catholic Church. However, these recipients are not listed as active members of the Portuguese order and do not participate in its functions.

The Order is unofficially acknowledged by the Portuguese government and may be worn by Portuguese citizens, though not on military uniforms.

It is divided into four grades:

  • Grand Cross (GCNSC)
  • Commander (ComNSC)
  • Knight/Dame (CvNSC/DmNSC)
  • Serving Brother or Sister (SNSC)

The Order 's Design

Designed by French painter Jean-Baptiste Debret, the insignia includes a star-shaped and crowned medallion with the monogram “AM” at its center. Surrounding the monogram is the inscription “Padroeira do Reino” (“Patroness of the Kingdom”).

The sash of the Order is light blue and white.

The Order of the Colonial Empire

The Order of the Colonial Empire was initially a Portuguese order of knighthood established in 1932 to reward services to the colonies.

The Order of the Colonial Empire (or Ordem do Império Colonial in Portuguese) was a Portuguese honor established on 13 April 1932. This colonial order of knighthood recognized the services of soldiers and civilians in the Portuguese colonies in Asia and Africa.

The Order was composed of five grades:

  • Grand Cross: Wore the badge on a sash over the right shoulder and the star on the left chest.
  • Grand Officer: Wore the badge on a necklet and the star on the left chest.
  • Commander: Wore the badge on a necklet and the star on the left chest.
  • Officer: Wore the badge on a ribbon with a rosette on the left chest.
  • Knight: Wore the badge on a ribbon on the left chest.

The Commander grade was removed during the 1960s, and the Order itself was discontinued following the Carnation Revolution in 1974.

The Order of the Colonial Empire Design

The badge featured an enamel Cross of the Order of Christ, silver for Knights and gilt for higher grades, with the lesser Coat of Arms of Portugal in enamel and gilt at the center.

The star was an eight-pointed faceted star, gilt for Grand Cross and Grand Officer, and silver for Commander, with the badge of the Order at the center.

The ribbon of the Order was red with black central and edge stripes.

The Order of Entrepreneurial Merit

Order of Entrepreneurial Merit is intended to distinguish entrepreneur or workers for outstanding service in promoting the economic sector.

The Order of Entrepreneurial Merit (or Ordem do Mérito Empresarial in Portuguese) is the most junior of the Portuguese civil orders of merit, established to honor entrepreneurs and workers who have made outstanding contributions to the appreciation and services in various economic sectors.

The Order is divided into three categories: Agricultural, Commercial, and Industrial, each corresponding to specific economic sectors, which is reflected in their respective insignia.

The Order was originally established on 4 June 1893 by King Charles I as the “Civil Order of Agricultural and Industrial Merit” during his visit to Beja. It was abolished with the founding of the Portuguese republic and reformulated in 1926. In 1991, it was renamed the “Order of Agricultural, Industrial and Commercial Merit,” recognizing contributions to the trade and service sectors by adding a third class. Legislation in 2011 renamed it to the current “Order of Entrepreneurial Merit,” maintaining the three categories and extending the Commercial Class of Merit to include the tourism sector. The statutes also allow for the recognition of worker merit within their respective sectors.

The Order of Entrepreneurial Merit Grades

The Order is awarded in three categories, each with five classes:

Category of Agricultural Merit (Classe do Mérito Agrícola)

  • Grand Cross (Grã-Cruz – GCMA)
  • Grand Officer (Grande-Oficial – GOMA)
  • Commander (Comendador – ComMA)
  • Officer (Oficial – OMA)
  • Medal (Medalha – MedMA)
  • Honorary Member (Membro Honorário – MHMA)

Recognizes outstanding service in the promotion or enhancement of agriculture, livestock, fish, and forest resources.

Category of Commercial Merit (Classe do Mérito Comercial)

  • Grand Cross (Grã-Cruz – GCMC)
  • Grand Officer (Grande-Oficial – GOMC)
  • Commander (Comendador – ComMC)
  • Officer (Oficial – OMC)
  • Medal (Medalha – MedMC)
  • Honorary Member (Membro Honorário – MHMC)

Honors significant contributions to commerce, tourism, and related services.

Category of Industrial Merit (Classe do Mérito Industrial)

  • Grand Cross (Grã-Cruz – GCMI)
  • Grand Officer (Grande-Oficial – GOMI)
  • Commander (Comendador – ComMI)
  • Officer (Oficial – OMI)
  • Medal (Medalha – MedMI)
  • Honorary Member (Membro Honorário – MHMI)

Awards those who have rendered notable service in the promotion or enhancement of industry.

The Order of Entrepreneurial Merit Design

The star for all three categories is a nine-pointed enamel star, differentiated by color: green for Agricultural Merit, blue for Commercial Merit, and red for Industrial Merit. At the center of the star is the national coat of arms in gold, surrounded by a white enamel border inscribed with “Agricultural,” “Commercial,” or “Industrial” Merit in gold-enamel letters.

This star is centered on a nine-pointed plaque, in gold for Grand Cross and Grand Officer, and in silver for Commander. Between each arm of the star is a five-pointed enamel star matching the category color.

The badge is a miniature version of the star without the five-pointed stars between its arms, suspended from two crossed green enamel palms. It is worn on a sash for Grand Cross, a necklet for Grand Officer and Commander, and a ribbon on the left chest for Officer and Medal.

The ribbon for each category is made of moire silk: green and white for Agricultural Merit, blue and white for Commercial Merit, and red and white for Industrial Merit.

The Order of Public Instruction

The Order of Public Instruction was established in 1927 and awarded to deserving individuals for high services rendered to education.

The Order of Public Instruction is a Portuguese order of civil merit established in 1927. It honors individuals for significant contributions to education and teaching.

Initially founded in April 1927 as the “Order of Instruction and Benevolence” (Ordem da Instrução e da Benemerência), the order recognized services furthering education and public benevolence that contributed to the nation’s progress. In 1929, the order was restructured into two distinct orders: the “Order of Benevolence,” which evolved into the present-day Order of Merit, and the “Order of Public Instruction,” dedicated to rewarding contributions to education. The original insignia of the Order of Instruction and Benevolence was retained by the Order of Public Instruction.

The 1962 Statute of Honorific Orders refined the criteria for awarding the Order of Public Instruction, focusing on services rendered by educators, school administrators, and other contributors to education. Subsequent legislation solidified its current definition.

The Order of Public Instruction Grades

The Order of Public Instruction is awarded in the following grades:

  • Grand Cross (Grã-Cruz – GCIP)
  • Grand Officer (Grande-Oficial – GOIP)
  • Commander (Comendador – ComIP)
  • Officer (Oficial – OIP)
  • Medal (Medalha – MIP)
  • Honorary Member (Membro Honorário – MHIP)

The Order of Public Instruction Design

The insignia of the Order of Public Instruction features a distinctive plaque and badge.

The obverse is an eight-pointed star with gold enamel for the Grand Cross and Grand Officer, and silver for the Commander. It includes an inner blue enamel star superimposed with the coat of arms of Portugal, surrounded by golden palms and a white enamel scroll with the legend “Instrução Pública” in gold.

The badge consists of two crossed golden palms, and the ribbon is made of golden yellow silk, symbolizing the honor and prestige of the Order.