World War II Medals from Italy

Italian medals, awards, and decorations of WW2

During World War II, Italy, under the leadership of Benito Mussolini, was a key member of the Axis powers, aligning itself with Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. Initially, Italy sought to expand its territories in Africa and the Mediterranean. However, its military campaigns in Greece, North Africa, and the Soviet Union faced significant challenges and setbacks.

Italy’s role shifted dramatically after the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943 and the subsequent fall of Mussolini’s regime. The new Italian government signed an armistice with the Allies, leading to a split between the German-occupied north and the Allied-controlled south. Italian partisans and regular forces then contributed significantly to the Allied effort, fighting against the Germans until the end of the war.

All Italian Medals
from the WW2 Period

talian forces were involved in numerous battles, and their bravery and service were recognized through various military awards. The Medaglia d’Oro al Valor Militare (Gold Medal of Military Valor) was the highest military decoration, awarded for acts of exceptional valor. Other notable medals included the Medaglia d’Argento al Valor Militare (Silver Medal of Military Valor) and the Croce di Guerra al Valor Militare (War Cross for Military Valor), which were awarded for bravery in combat.