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The Portuguese War Cross was created on November 30th, 1916 before Portugal‘s declaration of war. The author describes its political and social context, the French inspiration on its issue and pattern, its looks and manufacturing, including its suspension devices, and the versions and accessories for unit decoration and plain clothes wear. He then delves into the way it was introduced, awarded to Portuguese and foreign recipients. He broaches also the subsequent 1949 pattern and concludes with the past and present ranking of the War Cross amongst Portuguese decorations.