History

The Aeronautical Merit Medal (Medalha de Mérito Aeronáutico) was founded by the Portuguese government on October 11, 1985. It is awarded to Portuguese military personnel and civilians in recognition of exceptional contributions to the efficiency and prestige of the Portuguese Air Force.

This Medal is one of the five private Medals founded by the Ministry of National Defence; these are the National Defence Medal, D. Afonso Henriques Medal, Medal of the Naval Cross. Each of these is eleventh in order of precedence.

Since its inception, it has consisted of four classes normally conferred based on the recipient rank, i.e., I Class Neck badge I, II, III, and IV Classes.

The III Class Medal is awarded to Officers. It has an obverse inscription that translates to "Aeronautical Merit," and a reverse inscription that translates to "Of One's Own Volition."

The II Class Medal, III Class Medal, and IV Class Medal are distinguished by the size of the ribbon rosette.