Medals from Portugal
Norwegian Military Medals & Awards from all time periods.
Portugal’s military history is a tapestry woven with episodes of conquest, exploration, and defense, reflecting its evolution from a small kingdom to a global maritime power.
The origins of Portugal’s military prowess can be traced back to the 12th century, during the Christian Reconquista, when Afonso I declared the independence of the County of Portugal from the Kingdom of León. The 15th and 16th centuries, known as the Age of Discoveries, marked a golden era for Portuguese military endeavors. Visionary leaders like Prince Henry the Navigator spearheaded expeditions that established Portugal as a dominant sea power.
During the Napoleonic Wars, Portugal initially aligned with Britain against France but was invaded by French forces in 1807 while, In the 20th century, Portugal’s military history was marked by its involvement in the World Wars and the lengthy and contentious Colonial Wars (1961-1974). Today, Portugal’s military is integrated into international frameworks such as NATO and the European Union, reflecting its commitment to collective security and peacekeeping missions.
Popular Portuguese Medals, Orders & Decorations
Portugal’s rich military history is celebrated through various honors and decorations that recognize bravery, service, and contributions to the nation. Here are the five main Portuguese medals that encapsulate the valor and dedication of its military personnel:
The Order of Merit (Portugal)
The Order of Merit is awarded those responsible for meritorious acts or services performed in the exercise of any functions.
The Order of Prince Henry
The Order of Prince Henry is a Portuguese order of knighthood established in 1960 to mark the 500th anniversary of Prince Henry’s death.
Military Order of Saint James of the Sword
The Military Order of Saint James of the Sword was founded in 1172 and s endorsed by papal legate Cardinal Hyacinthus of Acardo.
The Military Order of Aviz
The Military Order of Aviz is a Portuguese order of chivalry founded in 1146. It gave its name and coat of arms to the Aviz Dynasty.
The Military Order of the Tower and Sword
The Military Order of the Tower and Sword is a Portuguese order of knighthood created by King Afonso V in 1459 as the Order of the Sword.
Portuguese Medals
from Before WW1 and WW1
Before World War I, Portugal had a rich tradition of military honors reflecting its long history of chivalry and exploration. Key among these were the Military Order of the Tower and Sword and the Military Order of Christ, both established in the medieval period. The Military Order of Aviz and the Order of Saint James of the Sword were also significant, recognizing valor and service in various capacities. During World War I, Portugal also introduced new medals to honor the bravery and sacrifices of its soldiers.
The Campaign Service Medal (Portugal)
The Campaign Service Medal was established on 30 November 1916 to recognize wartime service and issued with a clasp for each campaign.
The Exemplary Behavior Medal (Portugal)
The Exemplary Behavior Medal was created on October 2, 1863 and distinguishes military personnel who have served with exemplary moral.
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 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 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 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 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 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 Entrepreneurial Merit
Order of Entrepreneurial Merit is intended to distinguish entrepreneur or workers for outstanding service in promoting the economic sector.
Military Order of Saint James of the Sword
The Military Order of Saint James of the Sword was founded in 1172 and s endorsed by papal legate Cardinal Hyacinthus of Acardo.
The Military Order of Aviz
The Military Order of Aviz is a Portuguese order of chivalry founded in 1146. It gave its name and coat of arms to the Aviz Dynasty.
The Military Order of Christ
The Military Order of Christ was founded in 1319 after the Templars were abolished. It is one of the Ancient Military Orders.
The Military Order of the Tower and Sword
The Military Order of the Tower and Sword is a Portuguese order of knighthood created by King Afonso V in 1459 as the Order of the Sword.
The Inter Allied Victory Medal (Portugal)
The Portuguese Victory Medal was designed by Joao da Silva. Portugal had to defend against German attacks on her colonies.
Portuguese Medals from
WW2 and the Post-WW2 Period
In the interwar period, Portugal continued to honor military and civil achievements through its traditional orders, while also introducing new distinctions. During World War II, although Portugal maintained a position of neutrality, medals such as the Medal of Military Merit and the Distinguished Service Medal recognized exceptional service and contributions to national defense. Post-World War II, Portugal expanded its system of honors to include contributions to peacekeeping and international cooperation. The Order of Liberty, established in 1976, and the Order of Prince Henry, revived in 1960, are examples of honors reflecting Portugal’s modern values and its role on the global stage. These medals and orders continue to recognize outstanding service and achievement in both military and civilian spheres.
The Aeronautical Merit Medal
The Aeronautical Merit Medal was created on 11 October 1985 to reward military and civilian personnel for performance in the Air Force.
The D. Afonso Henriques Medal
The D. Afonso Henriques Medal is a Portuguese military medal established in 1985 and awarded for high competence within the Portuguese Army.
The Naval Cross (Portugal)
The Naval Cross Medal is a Portuguese military decoration created in 1985 and awarded for contributions to the Portuguese Navy.
The St George’s Cross (Portugal)
The St George’s Cross is a Portuguese military medal created in 2000 and awarded for extraordinary performance and personal qualities.
The National Defense Medal (Portugal)
The National Defense Medal is a Portuguese military medal created in 2002 and awarded to military and civilian personnel for high competence.
The Medal of Military Merit (Portugal)
The Medal of Military Merit is a military medal created in 1946 and awarded to individuals with exceptional qualities and virtues.
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 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 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 Merit (Portugal)
The Order of Merit is awarded those responsible for meritorious acts or services performed in the exercise of any functions.
The Order of Camões
The Order of Camões was created in 1985 and integrated in 2021. It is awarded for relevant services to the language and its promotion.
The Order of Liberty (Portugal)
The Order of Liberty or Order of Freedom was established in 1976 and distinguishes relevant services to the cause of democracy and freedom.
The Order of Prince Henry
The Order of Prince Henry is a Portuguese order of knighthood established in 1960 to mark the 500th anniversary of Prince Henry’s death.
