History

The Commemorative Medal for Special Service Commissions of the Portuguese Armed Forces (Medalha Comemorativa de Comissões de Serviço Especiais das Forças Armadas Portuguesas) was established at the end of the Second World War to reward soldiers or militarized elements serving in special commissions that took part in military campaigns in the Portuguese territories or abroad. The Medal was part of the Commemorative Medal of the Campaigns of the Portuguese Armed Forces of 1946 and it was attributed for expeditions or actions that had not required to carry out war operations.

Currently, it is 17th in precedence, and is awarded to Portuguese military personnel who have completed service missions abroad under the direction of a national or international organisation. It may also be awarded to Portuguese civilians and foreigners.

Clasps may be awarded to denote service in specific campaigns. These include:

- "INDIA"
- "TIMOR"
- "CABO VERDE" (Cabo Verde)
- "GUINE" (Guinea)
- "SAO TOME E PRINCIPE"
- "S TOME E PRINCIPE"
- "ANGOLA"
- "MOCAMBIQUE" (Mozambique)
- "MACAU"
- "ULTRAMAR" (Overseas)
- "BALCAS" (Balkans)
- "BOSNIA"
- "DILI-TIMOR"
- "FLORENCA-ITALIA" (Florence-Italy)
- "ISAF"
- "KFOR"
- "KOSOVO"
- "MACEDONIA"
- "MINURSO"
- "SAHARA OCCIDENTAL" (Western Sahara)

There are three different versions of the Medal that differ in engraving and inscription. The first version has an obverse inscription that translates to "Expeditions and Campaigns of Portuguese Troops," and a reverse inscription that translates to "This Kingdom and Work of Soldiers." The reverse also features a list of countries. The second and third versions have an obverse inscription that translates to "Campaigns and Special Commissions of Portuguese Armed Forces," and a reverse inscription that translates to "This Kingdom and Work of Soldiers," but only the second version features a list of countries on the reverse.