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Category: Interwar Medals

The War Cross for Military Valor

The War Cross for Military Valor is a decoration for military valor established in 1922. The cross may only be awarded in times of war.

The War Cross for Military Valor (or Croce di guerra al valor militare in Italian) is a decoration for military valor that was established in 1922.

It was created to honor acts of valor in combat by Italian soldiers, recognizing extraordinary bravery and heroism in the face of the enemy. The medal is awarded for individual acts of courage, whether during wartime or in significant military operations. It serves as a testament to the recipient’s gallantry and dedication to duty, reflecting Italy’s rich military tradition and commitment to honoring its courageous service members.

The cross may only be awarded in time of war.

The War Cross for Military Valor Design

The medal is a Greek cross made of copper.

Inscribed on the horizontal arms, in the obverse, is Al Valore Militare (For Military Valor). On the top arm of the cross is the monogram of the Italian Republic. The bottom arm depicts a Roman sword sheathed in bay leaves.

The reverse of the cross depicts a five-pointed star, with rays radiating from behind that star out to the arms of the cross. The cross is suspended from a solid blue ribbon.

The Medal of Aeronautic Valor (Kingdom of Italy)

The Medal of Aeronautic Valor was awarded for acts and enterprises of singular courage and skill aboard an aircraft in flight.

The Medal of Aeronautic Valor (or Medaglia al valore aeronautico in Italian) is a medal awarded “for acts and enterprises of singular courage and skill aboard an aircraft in flight.“

Proposals for a medal awarded to aviators had begun as early as 1913 but were put on hold with the outbreak of World War I. The medal was finally instituted by Victor Emmanuel III of Italy‘s decree of 27 November 1927. The criteria for conferral remained virtually unchanged until 1939, when a decree restricted its award solely to members of the Italian military. In 2010, the medal was absorbed into the Italian Military Code. The principal change was the restoration of eligibility to civilians.

The Medal of Aeronautic Valor Criteria

Instituted in 1927, it is awarded at three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze. The medal may be conferred on both Italian and foreign persons and entities and on both civilians and members of the Italian armed forces. It can also be awarded posthumously.

Prior to the outbreak of World War II, the recipients were primarily those who had distinguished themselves in air races or had set speed and distance records. However, the medal was also awarded for participation in daring air rescues.

The Medal of Aeronautic Valor Design

From 1927 to 1945 the Obverse of the medal shows The Savoy Cross surmounted by an eagle with spread wings. Above the eagle is the Crown of Savoy. The Reverse shows Two fasces with the name of the recipient and the place and date of the award engraved between them.