Two-piece construction, silver gilt with green, yellow, red and blue enamels, 38.2 mm, original ribbon with pinback, clear glue residue evident on three arms, extremely fine. Accompanied by its 11 mm x 33 mm Ribbon Bar, in its hardshelled case of issue, Brazilian coat-of-arms and marked "EXERCITO do BRASIL" (Army of Brazil) on the lid, recessed medal bed, edge wear evident on the exterior, case very fine.
Footnote: The medal was instituted on August 17, 1944 and awarded to military and civilian officers who participated in, or whose work supported, action against the Axis forces. Brazil’s benign neutrality in the early years of the Second World War included supplying raw materials to the Allies and permitting the construction of a huge U.S. airbase in north-eastern Brazil to act as a supply point for forces in North Africa. The persistent sinking of Brazilian ships by German U-boats led to Brazil declaring war on Germany and Italy on August 22, 1942. Eventually, more than 25,000 Brazilian military saw action against Axis forces in Italy. Fighting with great bravery against considerable odds, Brazil lost 480 of its sons killed in action, 2,064 wounded and 34 missing in action. The Brazilians gained a reputation for humane and correct treatment of their prisoners, having captured more than 20,000 German and Italian prisoners.