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.
