Brazil, Republic. A Second War Brazilian War Cross 1942-1945

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.