History

The Medal for Riachuelo (Medalha da Batalha Naval do Riachuelo) was created by Emperor Dom Pedro II of Brazil on November 18, 1865. It was awarded in recognition of those who had fought with the Brazilian Naval Forces in the battle of Riachuelo, a crucial engagement where the Paraguayan Navy was destroyed and, thus, preventing further Paraguayan attacks on Argentina. This battle is the largest single naval engagement in Latin America history.

The Medal was authorized with three classes based on the rank of the recipient. The Gold Medal was awarded to Admirals and Senior Officers; the Silver Medal was conferred upon junior Officers, while Bronze Medal was for marines and soldiers of the Marine Battalion.