History

The Medal for Overseas Service was established by decree in 1891 as the “Military Medal for Overseas Service.” It was awarded to Portuguese military personnel and civil servants in recognition of overseas service which benefited Portugal, civilisation, or humanity. It is believed to have been discontinued in 1974.

The Medal for Overseas Service underwent numerous changes in design, grades, and awarding statutes over its lifetime. From 1891-1893, it was awarded in a single category, but in 1893, it was expanded and awarded in two distinct categories, the Medal for Distinguished Overseas Service and the Medal for Medal for Assiduous Overseas Service. A third category, the Medal for Dedicated and Meritorious Overseas Service, was added in 1946.

From 1893-1913 the Copper Medal was awarded to soldiers and civil servants of equal rank in recognition of 3 years of overseas service (of which 2 were consecutive), meritorious campaign service, or other meritorious service rendered to a colony. From 1913-1970 it was awarded to soldiers and civil servants of equal rank in recognition of 6 years of overseas service (of which 4 were consecutive), and from 1970-1974, it was awarded to military personnel and civil servants in recognition of at least 10 years of overseas service (of which 3 were consecutive).

There are four different versions of the Copper Medal that differ in engraving and inscription. The first was awarded in a single category and features the portrait of King Carlos I on the obverse with a reverse inscription that translates to “Overseas Service.” The second version features the portrait of King Carlos I on the obverse and a reverse inscription that translates to “Assiduous Overseas Service.” The third version features an effigy of the Republic on the obverse and a reverse inscription that translates to “Assiduous Overseas Service.” The fourth version features the Portuguese crest on the obverse and a reverse inscription that translates to “Assiduous Overseas Service.”