History

The War Cross Medal (Medalha da Cruz de Guerra) was added to the Portuguese "Military Medal" (Medalha Militar) during the First World War on November 30, 1916. It was founded to recognize Portuguese military personnel for acts of bravery performed during military campaigns, as well as to foreign military personnel and civilians who have performed acts of bravery in cooperation with Portuguese forces.

Since its inspection, the War Cross Medal has consisted of four grades based on the quality of the recognized action; I, II, III, and IV Classes are awarded. Factors that are weighed in the decision include the degree of risk, the number of casualties incurred during the operation, the evidence of practice, the quality of valor and discipline that was demonstrated, and the steadfastness that was demonstrated.

There are three versions of the I Class. The first version, granted mainly during the First World War, features an effigy of the Republic on the obverse with an inscription that translates to “Portuguese Republic,” and the national coat of arms on the reverse. The second version, granted after the Second World War, features the national coat of arms on the obverse and a pair of crossed swords beneath of the Portuguese shield on the reverse. The third version, awarded since 1971, features the national coat of arms on the obverse and a pair of crossed swords in a laurel wreath on the reverse.

The I Class features a gold cross in laurel wreath clasp on the ribbon.