- Time Period: Pre World War I
- Institution: 14 August 1815
- Country: Italy (Kingdom of Sardinia)
The Military Order of Savoy was a military honorary order of the Kingdom of Sardinia first, and of the Kingdom of Italy later. Following the abolition of the Italian monarchy, the order became the Military Order of Italy.
The origin of the Military Order of Savoy can be traced back to the first honorary degrees granted by Victor Amadeus III of Sardinia to its soldiers. Later this degree went into disuse because of the Napoleonic regime in Italy and especially in Piedmont. On 1 April 1815 these honorary degrees were used by Victor Emmanuel I of Sardinia and abolished on the 14th of August of the same year.
Later, all of these honorary degrees become part of one, and became, the Military Order of Savoy. This order was to be granted to the soldiers who fought in the Italian army of Napoleon and became part of the Legion of Honor (or either obtained the honorary degree of Order of the Iron Crown) due to military merit. This honorary degree was conceded to everyone no matter what religion or rank the soldier was.
Following the foundation of the Republic, the order was renamed the Military Order of Italy in 1947; it continues to be awarded under that title today.
The Military Order of Savoy Design
The Military Order of Savoy medal is a silver Savoy cross, for the militants, and golden for all the other rankings.
The cross is covered with white and red enamel and surrounded with a laurel crown covered with green enamel. On top of the medal there is the royal crown of Sardinia.
