The Order of Defence Merit (or Ordem do Mérito da Defesa in Portuguese) is a Brazilian award established on 10 June 2002 and presented for exceptional military service and contributions to the country. The Order of Defence Merit was presented by presidential decree to replace the Order of Merit of the Armed Forces.
The award can be given to members of the Brazilian Military and friendly nations’ armies. In some cases, it’s also been awarded to civilians, institutions, and organizations.
In order of precedence, the Order of Defence Merit is the second-most important award in the country.
Classes of the Order of Defence Merit
The Order of Defence Merit has five grades:
Grand Cross (Grã-Cruz)
Grand Officer (Grande-Oficial)
Commander (Comendador)
Officer (Oficial)
Knight (Cavaleiro)
The National Order of Defence Merit Medal Design
The ribbon of the Brazilian Order of Defence Merit has three equal bars in green, white, and blue.
