Miniature circular bronze medal with laterally pierced cylindrical eyelet for suspension; the face with hatched Greek (or Geneva) cross circumscribed ‘SERVIÇOS DISTINCTOS’ (Distinguished service) ‘INTER ARMA CARITAS’ (Mercy between armies); the reverse inscribed 'CRUZ VERMELHA PORTUGUESA’ (Portuguese Red Cross) within a laurel wreath; the medal 12mm (½inch) in diameter; on original ribbon. The award is for distinguished service to the Portuguese Red Cross. The Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa (Portuguese Red Cross) was founded on 11 February 1865 by Dr. José António Marques, making it one of the oldest such societies, and it is still very active both within Portugal and internationally, with particular emphasis on Africa and Latin America. Miniatures such as this are normally worn with formal evening wear.
|