History

The Exemplary Conduct Medal (Medalha de Comportamento Exemplar) was established by the Ministry of War of Portugal on October 2, 1863. It was created together with the Military Bons Serviços Medal and the Military Valor Medal as an effort to foster loyalty and unity among the Portuguese Army. They were created by Military Organic Decree, and since then they have been called all together as "Military Medal" (Medalha Militar).

Originally, the Exemplary Conduct Medal consisted of three grades; Gold Medal, Silver Medal, and Copper Medal. It is awarded to Portuguese military personnel in recognition of exemplary moral conduct, loyalty, and spirit over a long military career.

The Medal was reformed by the First Republic in 1911 abolishing all royal symbols, and its insignia was changed again in 1971.

Currently, it is twelfth in precedence, and it is awarded to Portuguese military personnel in recognition of acts of bravery and selflessness, with three grades; Gold Medal, Silver Medal, and Bronze Medal.

In Medal Book, the Exemplary Conduct Medal is classified into types. Type I includes the medals awarded between 1863 and 1910. Type II includes the medals from 1911 to 1970. Type III consists of the crosses awarded since 1971 to present.

In Type III, the Medal has an obverse inscription that translates to “Exemplary Conduct,” and a reverse inscription that translates to “Portuguese, Our Feats and Our Loyalty.”

The Copper Medal is awarded to officers, sergeants and squares who completes at least six years of effective military service and has never suffered any criminal or disciplinary punishment.

The Copper Medal was awarded in recognition of 3 years of service from 1971-2002.

There may be additional versions of the Gold Medal that differ in manufacturer, size, or composition.