History

The Portuguese Red Cross Distinguished Service Medal is the second highest decoration awarded by the Portuguese Red Cross and is also the oldest iteration of any of the decorations awarded by the Portuguese Red Cross. It is awarded to members of the organisation in recognition of distinguished service during an armed conflict.

From 1893-1908 the Portuguese Red Cross Distinguished Service Medal was awarded in a single grade, and from 1908-1999 it was awarded in three grades. It is currently awarded as a Gold Medal and a Silver Medal.

Clasps are worn on the ribbon to denote the type of service rendered by the recipient. The following clasps may be encountered:
- "MOCAMBIQUE 1891"
- "MOCAMBIQUE 1895"
- "INDIA 1895"
- "REVOLUCAO 5-OUTUBRO-1910"
- "VERONESE 1913"
- "CASTRO LABOREIRO 1914"
- "OPERACOES EM MAFRA 21-OUTUBR-1914"
- "REVOLUCAO 14 MAIO 1915"
- "SUL D’ANGOLA 1915"
- "MOCAMBIQUE 1916-1917"
- "REVOLUCAO 5-12-1917 LISBOA"
- "AMBLETEUSE 1917-1919 FRANCA"
- "GRIPE PNEUMONICA 1918"
- "OPERACOES EM SANTAREM 16-JANEIRO-1919"
- "TOMADA DO MONSANTO 24-JANEIRO-1919"
- "CASTELO DE S.JORGE 22-FEVEREIRO-1919 -"
- "OPERACOES NO NORTE 1919"
- "REVOLTA MILITAR DE LISBOA 18-4-1925"
- "REVOLUCAO DE FEVEREIRO 1927"

There are four different versions of the Copper Medal. The first has an obverse inscription translates to “In War, Charity.” The second has an obverse inscription that translates to “In War, Charity,” and a reverse inscription that translates to “Ambulances of the Society of the Portuguese Red Cross.” The third has an obverse inscription that translates to “Distinguished Service, In War, Charity,” and a reverse inscription that translates to “Society of the Portuguese Red Cross.” The fourth has an obverse inscription that translates to “Distinguished Service, In War, Charity,” and a reverse inscription that translates to “Portuguese Red Cross.”

From 1908-1913 the Copper Medal was awarded on a blue and white ribbon (the colours of the monarchy) but was awarded on a red ribbon until its discontinuation in 1999.

There may be additional clasps and versions of the Copper Medal that differ in size, composition or design due to a variety of different manufacturers.