 Military Valor Medal 

(Portuguese: Medalha de Valor Militar), established on 2

October 1863 to reward "heroic deeds of extraordinary selflessness and bravery or
great moral courage and exceptional ability to make decisions, whether in war or in
time of peace, but always in circumstances where there is proven or suspected
danger to life". It comprises three grades - Gold (Portuguese: Ouro), Silver
(Portuguese: Prata) and Copper (Portuguese: Cobre). Award of the Medal in Gold
confers entitlement to wear a fourragère.[3]
 War Cross (Portuguese: Medalha da Cruz de Guerra), established on 30 November
1916 to reward acts of bravery and deeds performed in wartime. It could be awarded
to military personnel and civilians as well as to foreign military personnel and
civilians. It may also be awarded to military units and to towns 'that have collectively
practiced feats of arms of exceptional value.' It is awarded in four classes. Award of
the Gold (1st Class) confers entitlement to wear a fourragère.[4]
 Distinguished Service Medal (Portuguese: Medalha de Serviços Distintos),
established on 2 October 1863 as the Good Services Medal (Portuguese: Medalha
de Bons Serviços) to recognise extraordinary military service or outstanding acts.
Originally it consisted of two classes - gold and silver - and was awarded only to
military officers. On 11 September 1919, the regulations were modified to add a third
class (copper) in order to recognise non-commissioned officers and soldiers. On 28
May 1946, the name of the medal was changed to the Distinghished Service Medal.[5]
 Military Merit Medal (Portuguese: Medalha de Mérito Militar), established on 28 May
1946 to reward military personnel for meritorious service as demonstrated by a
display of exceptional qualities, military virtues, a spirit of sacrifice and selflessness,
moral courage, bravery and loyalty that are deserving of public recognition. The
medal was established in five classes - Grand Cross (Portuguese: Grã-Cruz) (for
ministers and secretaries of military departments and generals), 1st Class (for
Colonel and above with at least 20 years service), 2nd Class (for Captain-Lieutenant
and above with at least 10 years of service), 3rd Class (for junior officers holding the
rank of Captain or below and with at least 2 years service), and 4th class (non-
commissioned officers and soldiers with at least 2 years service).[6]
 National Defense Medal (Portuguese: Medalha da Defesa Nacional)
 St George's Cross (Portuguese: Medalha da Cruz de São Jorge)