Almerindo Mourão da Costa, was born on the 19th August 1944, in a small village in the north of Portugal.

Mourão da Costa was a member of the FLECHAS, elite unit of the DGS in Angola. Almerindo joined the SADF in February of 1975, completed the Special Forces selection course and became an Operator with 1 Reconnaissance Commando.

From August 1975 to December 1975, Mourão da Costa was deployed into Angola on deep special operations as part of Operation Savannah. During 1976 he was deployed in the operational area during Ops Currie. Mourão da Costa was also an explosives expert and instructor with the Special Forces.

In January 1981, S Sgt Mourão da Costa was awarded the PRO MERITO MEDAL for assuming control after the assault commander was wounded during an operation against a enemy base. Through good leadership and determined action he pressed the attack through successfully. He played a leading role in re-organising the force and arranging for the evacuation of casualties. His performance was an exceptional example of meritorious service and devotion to duty.