THE BIRTH OF THE PORTUGUESE MILITARY MEDAL
Decree of October 2, 1863, Secretary of State for the Affairs of War

«Considering that, beyond the military orders, there are today, in all armies of Europe, special medals to stimulate zeal, reward several services, and persuade all to the nobility inherent to the profession of arms, and the duties brought about by such nobility;
Considering that the just distinctions, visibly certifying meritorious acts, help elevate the morale of great corporations;
Considering that today the military orders, by its peculiar clauses of concession, can’t always reach every degree of military hierarchy, can’t always understand the different cases in which the individual, bettering himself in any way in the service, truly deserves any of those distinctions;
Wanting to give the armies of land and sea a proof of my satisfaction for the auspicious event which comes from assuring the fatherland a promise, the institutions a bond, my family and dynasty a pillar;
Thus whishing to demonstrate my royal solicitude towards everything that interests and honours the same armies with profit and glory of the nation:
I hereby decree the following:

Article 1. A medal is instituted which will be intituled Military Medal.
Article 2. The coinage of this medal, and the ribbon which should be worn pendant, will be in all conforming to the pattern, part of this decree.
Article 3. The military medal may be awarded to any individual who is part of the combatant regular forces, may they serve in the navy, or in the army, and also the auxiliary and chaplains of the same forces.
Article 4. The military medal comprehends three classes: military valor, good services, exemplary behaviour ».