History

On January 24, 1919, all Allied countries agreed to manufacture a “Victory Medal” for the Great War. The medals were required to be made of bronze, 36 mm in diameter, suspended from a double rainbow ribbon, and depict the symbol of Victory with the inscription “The Great War for Civilisation.”

The Portuguese Victory Medal was awarded to all military and support personnel who served for three months against enemy forces in France and Africa during the First World War from March 13, 1916, to November 11, 1918. It was also awarded to military personnel, who as a result of injury, could not complete three months of service. A silver star clasp was awarded to combatants. Approximately 100000 medals were awarded.

There are at least two official versions of the Bronze Medal. The first is stamped on the obverse, has a fixed suspension, and has an ornate reverse decoration. The second is unstamped and has a ball suspension. Both versions have a bronze ribbon clasp and a reverse inscription that translates to “Victory Medal.”

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