Time Period: Pre World War I, World War I
The Bronze Medal of Military Valor (or Medaglia di bronzo al valor militare in Italian) is a medal given for gallantry.
It was established by Charles Albert of Sardinia on 26 March 1833, along with the higher ranking Gold and Silver Medals for Military valor. Their purpose is defined as “To distinguish and publicly honor the authors of heroic military acts, even ones performed in time of peace, provided that the exploit is closely connected with the purposes for which the Armed Forces are constituted, whatever may be the condition or quality of the author.”
These medals, as well as the “Croce di Guerra al Valor Militare” (War Cross of Military Valor – which can only be awarded in time of war) are established by the Royal Decree of 4 November 1932.
During the First World War, the medal was given out some 60,244 times for individual acts of heroism (compared to 38,614 Silver medals and 368 Gold Medals).
The Bronze Medal of Military Valor Design
The Bronze Medal of Military Valor is shaped like an oval, with a blue ribbon. The medal is made of bronze.
