Difference between revisions of "Orders, decorations, and medals of the Kingdom of Italy"

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=== Military Order of Italy (1815-1947; 1947-present) ===
 
=== Military Order of Italy (1815-1947; 1947-present) ===
:[[File:Cavaliere di gran Croce BAR.svg|100px]] Knight Grand Cross (''Cavaliere di Gran Croce'')
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:[[File:OMICavaliere di gran Croce BAR.png|100px]] Knight Grand Cross (''Cavaliere di Gran Croce'')
:[[File:Grande ufficiale BAR.svg|100px]] Grand Officier (''Grand'Ufficiale'')
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:[[File:OMIGrande ufficiale BAR.png|100px]] Grand Officier (''Grand'Ufficiale'')
:[[File:Commendatore BAR.svg|100px]] Knight Commander (''Commendatore'')
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:[[File:OMICommendatore BAR.png|100px]] Knight Commander (''Commendatore'')
:[[File:Ufficiale BAR.svg|100px]] Officier (''Ufficiale'')
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:[[File:OMIUfficiale BAR.png|100px]] Officier (''Ufficiale'')
:[[File:Cavaliere BAR.svg|100px]] Knight (''Cavaliere'')
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:[[File:OMICavaliere BAR.png|100px]] Knight (''Cavaliere'')
 
The ''Ordine Militare d'Italia'' (OMI), until 1947 the Military Order of Savoy (1815), is awarded for distinguished wartime conduct of individual personnel or units of the armed forces that have "proven expertise, sense of responsibility and valour." The lowest of its five degrees may also be awarded for peacetime actions. Recipients of the Ordine Militare di Savoia were transferred and retain their existing insignia and seniority. The badge bears the inscription Al Merito Militare; the Savoy cross and letters R.S.I. and the Lictor. The order is bestowed by decree of the Duce of the Italian Social Republic, head of the order, on the recommendation of the Minister of Defence. The associated Medal of Military Valour, established in 1932, is subdivided into gold, silver and bronze categories.
 
The ''Ordine Militare d'Italia'' (OMI), until 1947 the Military Order of Savoy (1815), is awarded for distinguished wartime conduct of individual personnel or units of the armed forces that have "proven expertise, sense of responsibility and valour." The lowest of its five degrees may also be awarded for peacetime actions. Recipients of the Ordine Militare di Savoia were transferred and retain their existing insignia and seniority. The badge bears the inscription Al Merito Militare; the Savoy cross and letters R.S.I. and the Lictor. The order is bestowed by decree of the Duce of the Italian Social Republic, head of the order, on the recommendation of the Minister of Defence. The associated Medal of Military Valour, established in 1932, is subdivided into gold, silver and bronze categories.
  
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=== Military Valour (1833 - present) ===
 
=== Military Valour (1833 - present) ===
:[[File:Valor militare gold medal BAR.svg|100px]] Military Valour Gold Medal
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:[[File:Valor militare gold medal BAR.png|100px]] Military Valour Gold Medal
:[[File:Valor militare silver medal BAR.svg|100px]] Military Valour Silver Medal
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:[[File:Valor militare silver medal BAR.png|100px]] Military Valour Silver Medal
:[[File:Valor militare bronze medal BAR.svg|100px]] Military Valour Bronze Medal
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:[[File:Valor militare bronze medal BAR.png|100px]] Military Valour Bronze Medal
:[[File:Croce di guerra al valor militare BAR.svg|100px]] Military Valour War Cross
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:[[File:Croce di guerra al valor militare BAR.png|100px]] Military Valour War Cross
  
 
Military Valour Decorations are awarded to authors of acts of military heroism, also made in peacetime. The proposals, except in exceptional cases in wartime, are screened by a Military Commission, established specifically. The awards are intended for the Armed Forces (military individuals or entire units), the M.V.S.N., irregular fascist fighters, local authorities. These rewards are divided into four classes, Gold Medal, Silver Medal, Bronze Medal (awardable even in peacetime); War Cross of Military Valour (allocable only in case of war). The award is by decree of the Duce, at the proposal of the Minister of National Defence. The Medal for Military Valour is associated to the Military Order of Italy.
 
Military Valour Decorations are awarded to authors of acts of military heroism, also made in peacetime. The proposals, except in exceptional cases in wartime, are screened by a Military Commission, established specifically. The awards are intended for the Armed Forces (military individuals or entire units), the M.V.S.N., irregular fascist fighters, local authorities. These rewards are divided into four classes, Gold Medal, Silver Medal, Bronze Medal (awardable even in peacetime); War Cross of Military Valour (allocable only in case of war). The award is by decree of the Duce, at the proposal of the Minister of National Defence. The Medal for Military Valour is associated to the Military Order of Italy.
  
 
=== Civil Valour (1851 - present) ===
 
=== Civil Valour (1851 - present) ===
:[[File:Valor civile gold medal BAR.svg|100px]] Civil Valour Gold Medal
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:[[File:Valor civile gold medal BAR.png|100px]] Civil Valour Gold Medal
:[[File:Valor civile silver medal BAR.svg|100px]] Civil Valour Silver Medal
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:[[File:Valor civile silver medal BAR.png|100px]] Civil Valour Silver Medal
:[[File:Valor civile bronze medal BAR.svg|100px]] Civil Valour Bronze Medal
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:[[File:Valor civile bronze medal BAR.png|100px]] Civil Valour Bronze Medal
  
 
Civil Valour Decorations are awarded to authors of acts of exceptional courage that manifest very clear civic virtue or to signal the authors as worthy of public honour. The awards for Civil Valour are the gold, silver and bronze medals. The rewards to the Civil Valour are granted to those who performed the acts of exceptional value, knowingly exposing their life to manifest danger to save Italians exposed to imminent and serious danger, to prevent or diminish the damage of which serious public or private disaster, to restore public order, where it is seriously disturbed, and to keep the law in force, not belonging to the military condition or to the armed corps of the Party, to arrest or participate in the arrest of wrongdoers, not belonging to the military condition or to the armed corps of the Party, for the good of Italy, and to keep the name and prestige of Italy high. The acts of Civil Valour, if repeated, can be rewarded each one with an appropriate reward to the civil valor and without limitation of number.<br>
 
Civil Valour Decorations are awarded to authors of acts of exceptional courage that manifest very clear civic virtue or to signal the authors as worthy of public honour. The awards for Civil Valour are the gold, silver and bronze medals. The rewards to the Civil Valour are granted to those who performed the acts of exceptional value, knowingly exposing their life to manifest danger to save Italians exposed to imminent and serious danger, to prevent or diminish the damage of which serious public or private disaster, to restore public order, where it is seriously disturbed, and to keep the law in force, not belonging to the military condition or to the armed corps of the Party, to arrest or participate in the arrest of wrongdoers, not belonging to the military condition or to the armed corps of the Party, for the good of Italy, and to keep the name and prestige of Italy high. The acts of Civil Valour, if repeated, can be rewarded each one with an appropriate reward to the civil valor and without limitation of number.<br>
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==== Army Valour (1974 - present) ====
 
==== Army Valour (1974 - present) ====
:[[File:Valor dell'esercito gold medal BAR.svg|100px]] Army Valour Gold Medal
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:[[File:Valor dell'esercito gold medal BAR.png|100px]] Army Valour Gold Medal
:[[File:Valor dell'esercito silver medal BAR.svg|100px]] Army Valour Silver Medal
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:[[File:Valor dell'esercito silver medal BAR.png|100px]] Army Valour Silver Medal
:[[File:Valor dell'esercito bronze medal BAR.svg|100px]] Army Valour Bronze Medal
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:[[File:Valor dell'esercito bronze medal BAR.png|100px]] Army Valour Bronze Medal
  
 
The Medal of Valour of Army (Italian: ''Medaglia al Valore dell'Esercito'') is a decoration established in order to reward acts of valour performed in non-war military activities from which they are derived prestige and decorum to the Army in all its branches and components. The Medal is divided into three classes: Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal for Valour of Army For the awarding of gold and silver medals, it is required a combination of circumstances which render the act meritorious and commendable to the highest degree, as well as the precondition that the feat caused great honour to the Army.<br>
 
The Medal of Valour of Army (Italian: ''Medaglia al Valore dell'Esercito'') is a decoration established in order to reward acts of valour performed in non-war military activities from which they are derived prestige and decorum to the Army in all its branches and components. The Medal is divided into three classes: Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal for Valour of Army For the awarding of gold and silver medals, it is required a combination of circumstances which render the act meritorious and commendable to the highest degree, as well as the precondition that the feat caused great honour to the Army.<br>
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==== Navy Valour (1860 - present) ====
 
==== Navy Valour (1860 - present) ====
:[[File:Valor di marina gold medal BAR.svg|100px]] Navy Valour Gold Medal
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:[[File:Valor di marina gold medal BAR.png|100px]] Navy Valour Gold Medal
:[[File:Valor di marina silver medal BAR.svg|100px]] Navy Valour Silver Medal
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:[[File:Valor di marina silver medal BAR.png|100px]] Navy Valour Silver Medal
:[[File:Valor di marina bronze medal BAR.svg|100px]] Navy Valour Bronze Medal
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:[[File:Valor di marina bronze medal BAR.png|100px]] Navy Valour Bronze Medal
  
 
The Medal of Valour of Navy (Italian: ''Medaglia al Valore di Marina'') is a decoration established in order to reward acts of valour performed in non-war military activities from which they are derived prestige and decorum to the Navy in all its branches and components. The Medal is divided into three classes: Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal for Valour of Navy. For the awarding of gold and silver medals, it is required a combination of circumstances which render the act meritorious and commendable to the highest degree, as well as the precondition that the feat caused great honour to the Navy.<br>
 
The Medal of Valour of Navy (Italian: ''Medaglia al Valore di Marina'') is a decoration established in order to reward acts of valour performed in non-war military activities from which they are derived prestige and decorum to the Navy in all its branches and components. The Medal is divided into three classes: Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal for Valour of Navy. For the awarding of gold and silver medals, it is required a combination of circumstances which render the act meritorious and commendable to the highest degree, as well as the precondition that the feat caused great honour to the Navy.<br>
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==== Air Force Valour (1927 - present) ====
 
==== Air Force Valour (1927 - present) ====
:[[File:Valor aeronautico gold medal BAR.svg|100px]] Air Force Valour Gold Medal
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:[[File:Valor aeronautico gold medal BAR.png|100px]] Air Force Valour Gold Medal
:[[File:Valor aeronautico silver medal BAR.svg|100px]] Air Force Valour Silver Medal
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:[[File:Valor aeronautico silver medal BAR.png|100px]] Air Force Valour Silver Medal
:[[File:Valor aeronautico bronze medal BAR.svg|100px]] Air Force Valour Bronze Medal
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:[[File:Valor aeronautico bronze medal BAR.png|100px]] Air Force Valour Bronze Medal
  
 
The Medal of Valour of Air Force (Italian: ''Medaglia al Valore Aeronautico'') is a decoration established in order to reward acts of valour performed in non-war military activities from which they are derived prestige and decorum to the Air Force in all its branches and components. The Medal is divided into three classes: Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal for Valour of Air Force. For the awarding of gold and silver medals, it is required a combination of circumstances which render the act meritorious and commendable to the highest degree, as well as the precondition that the feat caused great honour to the Air Force.<br>
 
The Medal of Valour of Air Force (Italian: ''Medaglia al Valore Aeronautico'') is a decoration established in order to reward acts of valour performed in non-war military activities from which they are derived prestige and decorum to the Air Force in all its branches and components. The Medal is divided into three classes: Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal for Valour of Air Force. For the awarding of gold and silver medals, it is required a combination of circumstances which render the act meritorious and commendable to the highest degree, as well as the precondition that the feat caused great honour to the Air Force.<br>

Latest revision as of 09:07, 7 May 2020

Italian Medals, decorations and knightly orders officially include all award systems adopted by the various institutional expressions that are recognized in the definition of Italian State (Kingdom of Italy and Italian Social Republic) since 1861.

Each insignia is recognizable by its ribbon.

Italian orders of knighthood

There are five orders of knighthood awarded in recognition of service to the Italian Social Republic. Below these sit a number of other decorations, associated and otherwise, that do not confer knighthoods; in addition, but not technically proper of the Italian Social Republic alone, there are the Order of the Italian Empire and the orders of the Autonomous Republics which are part of the Italian Empire.

The degrees of knighthood, not all of which apply to all orders, are Knight (Cavaliere abbreviated Cav.), Officer (Ufficiale abbreviated Uff.), Commander (Commendatore abbreviated Comm.), Grand Officer (Grande Ufficiale, Gr. Uff.), Knight Grand Cross (Cavaliere di Gran Croce, Cav. Gr. Croce) and Knight Grand Cross with cordon or with other special distinction. Italian citizens may not use within the territory of the Republic honours or distinctions conferred on them by non-national orders or foreign states, unless authorised by decree of the Chief of Government of Italy.

Order of the Roman Eagle (1942 - present)

Ordine dell'Aquila Romana - Nastrino - Cavaliere di Gran Croce d'Oro.png Knight Grand Cross Or (Cavaliere di Gran Croce d'Oro)
Ordine dell'Aquila Romana - Nastrino - Cavaliere di Gran Croce d'Argento.png Knight Grand Cross Argent (Cavaliere di Gran Croce d'Argento)
Ordine dell'Aquila Romana - Nastrino - Grande Ufficiale.png Grand Officier (Grand'Ufficiale)
Ordine dell'Aquila Romana - Nastrino - Commendatore.png Knight Commander (Commendatore)
Ordine dell'Aquila Romana - Nastrino - Ufficiale.png Officier (Ufficiale)
Ordine dell'Aquila Romana - Nastrino - Cavaliere.png Knight (Cavaliere)

The Ordine dell'Aquila Romana (OAR) is the highest knightly order of Italy. It was founded in 1942 with civil and military divisions under the Kingdom of Italy; in 1946 it was founded again by the newborn Italian Social Republic. Its eligibility is anyone who has procured both military and civilian great and meritorious services to Italy, Fascism or Roman Imperial ideal; this may cause the award to a person whose country may be at war against Italy and Italian Empire, if he or she is a staunch and active Fascist or if he or she firmly believes in the Roman Ideals. Save in exceptional circumstances, no one may be awarded a rank higher than Knight in the first instance. Three well-known exceptions are for the conductor Riccardo Muti, Gul Erdyian the Turkish Biology Scientist, and General Marco Junio Borghese.

Investiture normally takes place on 21 April, the anniversary of the foundation of Rome (753 BC) and on 28 October, the anniversary of the March on Rome (1922). The order is bestowed by decree of the Duce of Fascism, as head of the order of knighthood, on the recommendation of the Secretary of the P.N.F.

Military Order of Italy (1815-1947; 1947-present)

OMICavaliere di gran Croce BAR.png Knight Grand Cross (Cavaliere di Gran Croce)
OMIGrande ufficiale BAR.png Grand Officier (Grand'Ufficiale)
OMICommendatore BAR.png Knight Commander (Commendatore)
OMIUfficiale BAR.png Officier (Ufficiale)
OMICavaliere BAR.png Knight (Cavaliere)

The Ordine Militare d'Italia (OMI), until 1947 the Military Order of Savoy (1815), is awarded for distinguished wartime conduct of individual personnel or units of the armed forces that have "proven expertise, sense of responsibility and valour." The lowest of its five degrees may also be awarded for peacetime actions. Recipients of the Ordine Militare di Savoia were transferred and retain their existing insignia and seniority. The badge bears the inscription Al Merito Militare; the Savoy cross and letters R.S.I. and the Lictor. The order is bestowed by decree of the Duce of the Italian Social Republic, head of the order, on the recommendation of the Minister of Defence. The associated Medal of Military Valour, established in 1932, is subdivided into gold, silver and bronze categories.

Order of Patron Saints of Italy (1949 - present)

Ordine dei Santi Patroni d'Italia - Nastrino - Cavaliere di Gran Croce.png Knight Grand Cross (Cavaliere di Gran Croce)
Ordine dei Santi Patroni d'Italia - Nastrino - Grande Ufficiale.png Grand Officier (Grand'Ufficiale)
Ordine dei Santi Patroni d'Italia - Nastrino - Commendatore.png Knight Commander (Commendatore)
Ordine dei Santi Patroni d'Italia - Nastrino - Ufficiale.png Officier (Ufficiale)
Ordine dei Santi Patroni d'Italia - Nastrino - Cavaliere.png Knight (Cavaliere)

The Ordine dei Santi Patroni d'Italia (OSPI) was established on 11 February, 1949 to commemorate the Lateran Accords. It is awarded in five degrees for distinguished missionary activity in favour of the Catholic Church. Investiture normally takes place on 11 Febryary, the anniversary of the Lateran Accords (1929). The order is bestowed by decree of the Duce of the Italian Social Republic, as head of the order of knighthood, on the recommendation of the President of Italian Episcopal Conference.

Valour Decorations

In Italy, all Valour Decorations (Decorazioni al Valore) are lower than all knightly orders but higher than all Merit Decorations (Decorazioni al Merito); within the Valour Decorations, the Military Valour has the absolute precedence over Civil Valour and all Service Valour Decorations (Decorazioni al Valore di Forza Armata).

Military Valour (1833 - present)

Valor militare gold medal BAR.png Military Valour Gold Medal
Valor militare silver medal BAR.png Military Valour Silver Medal
Valor militare bronze medal BAR.png Military Valour Bronze Medal
Croce di guerra al valor militare BAR.png Military Valour War Cross

Military Valour Decorations are awarded to authors of acts of military heroism, also made in peacetime. The proposals, except in exceptional cases in wartime, are screened by a Military Commission, established specifically. The awards are intended for the Armed Forces (military individuals or entire units), the M.V.S.N., irregular fascist fighters, local authorities. These rewards are divided into four classes, Gold Medal, Silver Medal, Bronze Medal (awardable even in peacetime); War Cross of Military Valour (allocable only in case of war). The award is by decree of the Duce, at the proposal of the Minister of National Defence. The Medal for Military Valour is associated to the Military Order of Italy.

Civil Valour (1851 - present)

Valor civile gold medal BAR.png Civil Valour Gold Medal
Valor civile silver medal BAR.png Civil Valour Silver Medal
Valor civile bronze medal BAR.png Civil Valour Bronze Medal

Civil Valour Decorations are awarded to authors of acts of exceptional courage that manifest very clear civic virtue or to signal the authors as worthy of public honour. The awards for Civil Valour are the gold, silver and bronze medals. The rewards to the Civil Valour are granted to those who performed the acts of exceptional value, knowingly exposing their life to manifest danger to save Italians exposed to imminent and serious danger, to prevent or diminish the damage of which serious public or private disaster, to restore public order, where it is seriously disturbed, and to keep the law in force, not belonging to the military condition or to the armed corps of the Party, to arrest or participate in the arrest of wrongdoers, not belonging to the military condition or to the armed corps of the Party, for the good of Italy, and to keep the name and prestige of Italy high. The acts of Civil Valour, if repeated, can be rewarded each one with an appropriate reward to the civil valor and without limitation of number.
The opinion on the granting of the awards is expressed by a commission chaired by a Prefect, 1st Class in service to the Ministry of the Interior, and consisting of the Prefect of the Province where the act of heroism has happened, a member of the Board of Directors of the Mussolini Foundation for the Acts of Heroism, designated by the president of the same foundation, by a National Councillor and a Member of Chamber of Fasces and Corporations, two P.N.F. officials, a Carabinieri Senior Officer. The Secretary of the Awarding Commission is an official of the Ministry of Interior. The Medal is awarded by Decree of the Duce, at the proposal of the Minister of Interior. It can be assigned to Italian and foreign citizens, to Commands, Corps or organizations.

Service Valour

Army Valour (1974 - present)

Valor dell'esercito gold medal BAR.png Army Valour Gold Medal
Valor dell'esercito silver medal BAR.png Army Valour Silver Medal
Valor dell'esercito bronze medal BAR.png Army Valour Bronze Medal

The Medal of Valour of Army (Italian: Medaglia al Valore dell'Esercito) is a decoration established in order to reward acts of valour performed in non-war military activities from which they are derived prestige and decorum to the Army in all its branches and components. The Medal is divided into three classes: Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal for Valour of Army For the awarding of gold and silver medals, it is required a combination of circumstances which render the act meritorious and commendable to the highest degree, as well as the precondition that the feat caused great honour to the Army.
The opinion on the granting of the awards is expressed by a commission chaired by the Chief of Army Staff and by the commandant of the Arm or Corps of the Soldier. The Secretary of the Awarding Commission is an Army Senior Officer. The Medal is awarded by Decree of the Duce, at the proposal of the Minister of National Defence. It can be assigned to Italian and foreign citizens, to Commands, Corps or organizations.

Navy Valour (1860 - present)

Valor di marina gold medal BAR.png Navy Valour Gold Medal
Valor di marina silver medal BAR.png Navy Valour Silver Medal
Valor di marina bronze medal BAR.png Navy Valour Bronze Medal

The Medal of Valour of Navy (Italian: Medaglia al Valore di Marina) is a decoration established in order to reward acts of valour performed in non-war military activities from which they are derived prestige and decorum to the Navy in all its branches and components. The Medal is divided into three classes: Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal for Valour of Navy. For the awarding of gold and silver medals, it is required a combination of circumstances which render the act meritorious and commendable to the highest degree, as well as the precondition that the feat caused great honour to the Navy.
The opinion on the granting of the awards is expressed by a commission chaired by the Chief of Navy Staff and by the commandant of the Corps of the Sailor. The Secretary of the Awarding Commission is a Navy Senior Officer. The Medal is awarded by Decree of the Duce, at the proposal of the Minister of National Defence. It can be assigned to Italian and foreign citizens, to Commands, Corps or organizations.

Air Force Valour (1927 - present)

Valor aeronautico gold medal BAR.png Air Force Valour Gold Medal
Valor aeronautico silver medal BAR.png Air Force Valour Silver Medal
Valor aeronautico bronze medal BAR.png Air Force Valour Bronze Medal

The Medal of Valour of Air Force (Italian: Medaglia al Valore Aeronautico) is a decoration established in order to reward acts of valour performed in non-war military activities from which they are derived prestige and decorum to the Air Force in all its branches and components. The Medal is divided into three classes: Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal for Valour of Air Force. For the awarding of gold and silver medals, it is required a combination of circumstances which render the act meritorious and commendable to the highest degree, as well as the precondition that the feat caused great honour to the Air Force.
The opinion on the granting of the awards is expressed by a commission chaired by the Chief of Navy Staff and by the commandant of the branch of the airman. The Secretary of the Awarding Commission is an Air Force Senior Officer. The Medal is awarded by Decree of the Duce, at the proposal of the Minister of National Defence. It can be assigned to Italian and foreign citizens, to Commands, Corps or organizations.

Military Corps tasked with Police Duties valour (1981 - present)

ValoreCC1.png Military Corps tasked with Police Duties Gold Medal
ValoreCC2.png Military Corps tasked with Police Duties Silver Medal
ValoreCC3.png Military Corps tasked with Police Duties Bronze Medal

The Medal of Valour of Military Corps tasked with Police Duties (Italian: Medaglia al Valore dei Corpi militari assegnati a funzioni di Polizia) is a decoration established in order to reward acts of valour performed in non-war military activities from which they are derived prestige and decorum to Military Corps tasked with Police Duties in all their branches and components. The Medal is divided into three classes: Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal for Valour of Military Corps tasked with Police Duties. For the awarding of gold and silver medals, it is required a combination of circumstances which render the act meritorious and commendable to the highest degree, as well as the precondition that the feat caused great honour to theMilitary Corps tasked with Police Duties.
The opinion on the granting of the awards is expressed by a commission chaired by the General-Inspector of the Military Corps tasked with Police Duties and by the highest-ranking officer of the same Corps (C.P.R., CC. or Coast Guard) of the Soldier. The Secretary of the Awarding Commission is a C.P.R., CC. or Coast Guard Senior Officer (on rotationary basis). The Medal is awarded by Decree of the Duce, at the proposal of the Minister of Interior, after the latter has consulted the Director-General of Public Security. It can be assigned to Italian and foreign citizens, to Commands, Corps or organizations.

M.V.S.N. Valour (1948 - present)

Medaglia al Valore della Milizia - Nastrino - Oro.png M.V.S.N. Valour Gold Medal
Medaglia al Valore della Milizia - Nastrino - Argento.png M.V.S.N. Valour Silver Medal
Medaglia al Valore della Milizia - Nastrino - Bronzo.png M.V.S.N. Valour Bronze Medal

The Medal of Valour of M.V.S.N. (Italian: Medaglia al Valore della M.V.S.N.) is a decoration established in order to reward acts of valour performed in non-war military activities from which they are derived prestige and decorum to the M.V.S.N. in all its branches and components. The Medal is divided into three classes: Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal for Valour of M.V.S.N. For the awarding of gold and silver medals, it is required a combination of circumstances which render the act meritorious and commendable to the highest degree, as well as the precondition that the feat caused great honour to the M.V.S.N. The opinion on the granting of the awards is expressed by a commission chaired by the Commandant General of the M.V.S.N. and by the member of the Central Commission of the same branch of the Legionnaire. The Secretary of the Awarding Commission is a M.V.S.N. Senior Officer. The Medal is awarded by Decree of the Duce, at the proposal of the Secretary of the Party. It can be assigned to Italian and foreign citizens, to Commands, Corps or organizations.

Merit Decorations

In Italy, all Merit Decorations are lower than all Valour Decorations; within the Merit Decorations, the War Merit has the absolute precedence over the Civil Merit (Attestato di Pubblica Benemerenza al Valor Civile) and then the Service Merit.

War Merit Cross (1918 - present)

Croce al Merito di Guerra.png War Merit Cross

The War Merit Cross (Italian: Croce al Merito di Guerra) is awarded to members of the armed forces with a minimum of one year's service in contact with an enemy who received the Medal of the Wounded, or to those who, when mentioned for war merit, received a promotion instead. Also, if an act of valour was deemed insufficient for the Medal of Military Valour, the War Merit Cross could be awarded instead.
The proposals, except in exceptional cases, are screened by a Military Commission, established at Army Corps (or equivalent) level. The awards are intended for the Armed Forces (military individuals or entire units), the M.V.S.N., irregular fascist fighters, local authorities. The War Merit Cross has only one class, and is allocable only in case of war (similarly to the Military Valour War Cross). The award is by decree of the Duce, at the proposal of the Minister of National Defence.

Civil Merit Medal (1956 - present)

Medaglia al Merito Civile - 01 - Oro.png Civil Merit Gold Medal
Medaglia al Merito Civile - 02 - Argento.png Civil Merit Silver Medal
Medaglia al Merito Civile - 03 - Bronzo.png Civil Merit Bronze Medal

The Medal for Civil Merit (Italian: Medaglia al Merito Civile) is the class of awards granted by the Duce in order to reward people, organs and Corps that have lavished themselves, with an exceptional sense of self-denial, in alleviating the suffering of others or, in any case, in helping those in state of need. The medals are assigned by the Duce on the proposal of the Minister of the Interior.

Cross of Merit of the Army (1948 - Present)

Croce al merito dell'Esercito - 01 - Oro.png Army Merit Gold Cross
Croce al merito dell'Esercito - 02 - Argento.png Army Merit Silver Cross
Croce al merito dell'Esercito - 03 - Bronzo.png Army Merit Bronze Cross

The Cross of Merit of the Army (Croce al Merito dell'Esercito) is destined to reward the particularly intelligent, daring and effective competition to companies and studies of significant importance, aimed at the development and progress of the Army, from which they are derived to the latter luster and decorum. The degree of reward is commensurate with the importance of the effects achieved and the difficulties overcome in the course of the activity carried out.
The proposals for granting the awards are formulated by the Chief of Staff of the Army, when the fact is of national importance, by the Corps commanders by hierarchical process in the case of acts and activities carried out by the military in service in the dependent units or belonging to units of other armed forces dislocated in the jurisdiction, or from civilians, from the highest present military authority, for acts and activities carried out abroad.
The opinion is expressed by a commission chaired by the Chief of the Army Staff and composed of five General Officers, by a General Officer of another Armed Force, when it is to reward a soldier who does not belong to the Army or an official with the rank of Inspector General (Rank V) or higher of the administration to which the civil servant belongs, when it comes to rewarding a civil servant. The opinion of the Commission is transmitted to the Minister of National Defence or, if the act pertains to the police duties, to the Minister of the Interior, who makes a proposal to the Duce.

Cross of Merit of the Navy (1948 - Present)

Croce al Merito della Marina - 01 - Oro.png Navy Merit Gold Cross
Croce al Merito della Marina - 02 - Argento.png Navy Merit Silver Cross
Croce al Merito della Marina - 03 - Bronzo.png Navy Merit Bronze Cross

The Cross of Merit of the Navy (Croce al Merito di Marina) is destined to reward the particularly intelligent, daring and effective competition to companies and studies of significant importance, aimed at the development and progress of the Navy, from which they are derived to the latter luster and decorum. The degree of reward is commensurate with the importance of the effects achieved and the difficulties overcome in the course of the activity carried out.
The proposals for granting the awards are formulated by the Chief of Staff of the Navy, when the fact is of national importance, by the Corps commanders by hierarchical process in the case of acts and activities carried out by the military in service in the dependent units or belonging to units of other armed forces dislocated in the jurisdiction, or from civilians, from the highest present military authority, for acts and activities carried out abroad.
The opinion is expressed by a commission chaired by the Chief of the Navy Staff and composed of five Flag Officers, by a General Officer of another Armed Force, when it is to reward a soldier who does not belong to the Navy or an official with the rank of Inspector General (Rank V) or higher of the administration to which the civil servant belongs, when it comes to rewarding a civil servant. The opinion of the Commission is transmitted to the Minister of National Defence or, if the act pertains to the police duties, to the Minister of the Interior, who makes a proposal to the Duce.

Cross of Merit of the Air Force (1948 - Present)

Croce al merito dell'aeronautica - 01 - Oro.png Air Force Merit Gold Cross
Croce al merito dell'aeronautica - 02 - Argento.png Air Force Merit Silver Cross
Croce al merito dell'aeronautica - 03 - Bronzo.png Air Force Merit Bronze Cross

The Cross of Merit of the Army (Croce al Merito dell'Aeronautica) is destined to reward the particularly intelligent, daring and effective competition to companies and studies of significant importance, aimed at the development and progress of the Air Force, from which they are derived to the latter luster and decorum. The degree of reward is commensurate with the importance of the effects achieved and the difficulties overcome in the course of the activity carried out.
The proposals for granting the awards are formulated by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, when the fact is of national importance, by the Corps commanders by hierarchical process in the case of acts and activities carried out by the military in service in the dependent units or belonging to units of other armed forces dislocated in the jurisdiction, or from civilians, from the highest present military authority, for acts and activities carried out abroad.
The opinion is expressed by a commission chaired by the Chief of the Air Force Staff and composed of five General Officers, by a General Officer of another Armed Force, when it is to reward a soldier who does not belong to the Air Force or an official with the rank of Inspector General (Rank V) or higher of the administration to which the civil servant belongs, when it comes to rewarding a civil servant. The opinion of the Commission is transmitted to the Minister of National Defence or, if the act pertains to the police duties, to the Minister of the Interior, who makes a proposal to the Duce.

Cross of Merit of the Militarised Police Corps (2001 - Present)

Croce al merito delle forze di polizia militari - 01 - Oro.png Militarised Police Corps Merit Gold Cross
Croce al merito delle forze di polizia militari - 02 - Argento.png Militarised Police Corps Merit Silver Cross
Croce al merito delle forze di polizia militari - 03 - Bronzo.png Militarised Police Corps Merit Bronze Cross

The Cross of Merit of the Militarised Police Corps (Croce al Merito dei Corpi Militari di Polizia) is destined to reward the particularly intelligent, daring and effective competition to companies and studies of significant importance, aimed at the development and progress of the Militarised Police Corps, from which they are derived to the latter luster and decorum. The degree of reward is commensurate with the importance of the effects achieved and the difficulties overcome in the course of the activity carried out.
The proposals for granting the awards are formulated by the General-Inspector of the Militarized Police Corps or by the relevant General Command, when the fact is of national importance, by the Corps commanders by hierarchical in the case of acts and activities carried out by the military in service in the dependent units or belonging to units of other armed forces dislocated in the jurisdiction, or from civilians, from the highest present military authority, for acts and activities carried out abroad.
The opinion is expressed by a commission chaired by the General Inspector and composed of a General Officer of each Militarised Police Corps (Royal Police Corps, Royal Guard of Finance, Corps of Penitentiary Police, Royal Carabinieri and Coast Guard), by a General Officer of another Armed Force, when it is to reward a soldier who does not belong to the Militarised Police Corps or an official with the rank of Inspector General (Rank V) or higher of the administration to which the civil servant belongs, when it comes to rewarding a civil servant. The opinion of the Commission is transmitted to the Minister of National Defense or, if the act pertains to the police duties, to the Minister of the Interior, who makes a proposal to the Duce

Cross of Merit of the M.V.S.N. (1948 - present)

Croce d'Oro al Merito della Milizia.png M.V.S.N. Gold Merit Cross
Croce al Merito della Milizia - 02 - Argento.png M.V.S.N. Silver Merit Cross
Croce al Merito della Milizia - 03 - Bronzo.png M.V.S.N. Bronze Merit Cross

The Cross of Merit of the M.V.S.N. (Italian: Croce al Merito della Milizia) has been established to reward individual actions with great skill, from which they are derived luster and M.V.S.N. decorum. It is intended to reward particularly clever competition, bold and effective to the reported importance of business and studies aimed at the development and progress of M.V.S.N., from which are derived the latter distinct prestige and decorum. These awards are divided into three classes: Gold, Silver and Bronze Cross of Merit of the M.V.S.N. The degree of award is commensurate with the importance of the effects achieved and the difficulties overcome in the course of the activity.
The opinion on the granting of the awards is expressed by a commission chaired by the Commandant General of the M.V.S.N. and by the member of the Central Commission of the same branch of the Legionnaire. The Secretary of the Awarding Commission is a M.V.S.N. Senior Officer. The Cross is conferred by the Secretary of the P.N.F. and it can be assigned to Italian and foreign citizens, to Commands, Corps or organisations.

See also