The Military Order of Italy (Italian: Ordine Militare d'Italia) is the highest military order of the Italian Republic and the former Kingdom of Italy. It was founded as the Military Order of Savoy, a national order by the King of Sardinia, Vittorio Emanuele I, Duke of Savoy in 1815.[1] The order is awarded in five degrees for distinguished wartime conduct of units of the armed forces or individual personnel that has "proven expertise, a sense of responsibility and valour."
The order was continued on the unification of Italy in 1861 and was revived, under its new name, following the foundation of the Republic in 1946.[2] It is bestowed by decree of the President of the Italian Republic, head of the order, on the recommendation of the Minister of Defence.
Grades
Recipients of the Ordine militare di Savoia were transferred retaining their existing accoutrements and seniority.
The various degrees of the order, which may be conferred posthumously, are as follows:
| Monarchy | Republic | Class (English) | Full title in Italian |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Class / Knight Grand Cross | Cavaliere di Gran Croce dell'Ordine militare d'Italia | ||
| 2nd Class / Grand Officer | Grande Ufficiale dell'Ordine militare d'Italia | ||
| 3rd Class / Commander | Commendatore dell'Ordine militare d'Italia | ||
| 4th Class / Officer | Ufficiale dell'Ordine militare d'Italia | ||
| 5th Class / Knight | Cavaliere dell'Ordine militare d'Italia |
The lowest of these may also be awarded for peacetime actions.
Insignia
- The badge is a golden matuna cross, enamelled in white, with a wreath of green-enamelled laurel and oak leaves between the arms of the cross. Officers and Knights wear this badge on a ribbon on the left chest. Commanders and Grand Officers wear it on a necklet.
- The star is an eight-pointed faceted silver star with the badge (without suspension) at the centre. This is worn by Knights Grand Cross and Grand Officers only.
- The ribbon is blue—red—blue in equal dimensions.
- Knights Grand Cross wear a sash with the badge of the order suspended from it.