Italian War Medal 1915-1918

Axis Powers > Italy > Awards & Medals >

Kingdom of Italy - Medaglia Commemorativa della Guerra Italo-Austriaca 1915-1918. Instituted July 29, 1920, the Italy War Medal was awarded to all the military, militarized and assimilated and the personnel of the auxiliary corps and departments who, for at least four months, had taken part in the war activities both in the national territory than in the Dodecanese, in Albania, in Syria and in Palestine. Laurel Leaf Bands with corresponding dates (or stars) attached to the ribbon may be observed for the years of service (1915-1918). It is constructed out of a die struck bronze base. The round shaped obverse features the left facing bust of Vittorio Emanuele III (wearing uniform and helmet) surrounded by: “Guerra - per L'Unita' - D'Italia 1915 - 1918” (War – For Unity – For Italy 1915 – 1918) with three oak leaf and acorn branches. The reverse shows the Winged Victory being carried by two soldiers on trench shields, surrounded by: “Coniata nel Bronzo Nemico” (Coined in Bronze Enemy). To the top is a downward pointing triangular flat bar ring which holds 5 ½ inches of red, white and green (replacement) rayon ribbon. The award measures 1 ¼ inches in diameter.