The Medal of D. Afonso Henriques – Army Merit is a Portuguese military decoration, established on October 11, 1985, originally named the Medal of D. Afonso Henriques – Patron of the Army.
The award recognizes military personnel and civilians, both national and foreign, who demonstrate exceptional technical-professional competence, extraordinary performance, and significant personal qualities, thereby contributing to the efficiency, prestige, and mission fulfillment of the Portuguese Army.
This medal is one of the first three branch-specific medals created in 1985 for each branch of the Armed Forces. It preceded the Medal of the Cross of Saint George, established in 2000 by the General Staff of the Armed Forces, and the Medal of National Defense, introduced by the Ministry of Defense in 2002.
The medal is awarded according to the recipient’s rank and contributions. General officers and colonels are eligible for the 1st Class (MPAH), while lieutenant colonels and majors can receive the 2nd Class (MSAH). The 3rd Class (MTAH) is designated for other officers and sergeant majors, and the 4th Class (MQAH) is for other sergeants and enlisted personnel.
