Italian Medals of WW2

This appears to be a plaque of appreciation given to some well-regarded Fascist in gratitude for some selfless and/or heroic act in behalf of Mussolini -- perhaps even a life-saving act.

He is designated by the title "Squadrista" of the Carnaro (proto-fascist government). Squadrista is a Black Shirts (MVSN or CCNN) rank, which may be something like a sergeant of the guard.

Squadra means sergeant. The text says that this Squadrista "conquered" while "risking all" for the Duce. And it says he did so "under the signs of the Lictor."

The Lictors, I believe, were basically Mussolini's bodyguards. The term comes from the Latin for "Binder," referring originally to the one who bound together the rods of the fascia- i.e., symbolically, the one administering punishment.

Thus tormentors in ancient Roman jails were lictors by definition; however the position soon came to be much more than that of a menial torture-giver. Evidently it evolved into a fairly high-level Roman office. Not knowing much about the administration of Fascist Italy, my guess as to the best way to characterize the Fascist era Lictors might be to call them Mussolini's version of the SS in its original role as Hitler's elite guard. They may have been more in the nature of district police chiefs, or even low-rent individual bully-boys. In any event, this particular Squadrista served "under the banners of" the Lictors. That may mean that he was indeed a high-ranking Fascist official himself, or that he leaped into the role of a Lictor kind of impetuously, as might be said of someone in Mussolini's entourage who intentionally stepped in front of the Duce when a would would-be assassin's bullets were flying, this acting "in the capacity of," or "under the signs of" a Lictor.

It appears that, whatever this act may have been, it succeeded -- hence the phrase "he conquered." However, it may also be that this "conquering" rather refers to his giving his life -- i.e., dying in the act -- or even just devoting his life to Mussolini's service. The way it's worded -- in that sort of lofty, vague and semi-poetic language that's so often used on plaques, where the high principles and sterling qualities of the individual are inscribed rather than a specific description of his creditable deeds -- makes it hard to be sure.

Military Valour Award - Awarded for victory in combat. 9 grades.

# 1- 1st Victory
# 2- 3rd Victory
# 3- 7th Victory
# 4- 10th Victory
# 5- 15th Victory
# 6- 20th Victory
# 7- 30th Victory
# 8- 40th Victory
# 9- 50th Victory

Campaign in Russia Award - awarded for first victory on the Eastern Front.

The so-called Italian FRONTE-RUSSO honour badge was awarded in March 1943 to all those troops that served on the Eastern Front from 22 June 1941 to 5 June 1943.

Campaign in Africa Award -

awarded to German Afrika Korps soldiers by Italy. Referred to by the slang name "Rommel's Medal".

Order of Military Merit of Italy - for a victory an at least two fronts.

Note: I freely admit that sometimes the real meaning gets changed in translations. If I have something wrong, please advise

Order of Saint Lazarus -

awarded for first victory in the Far East.

War Merit Cross -

awarded for one years service in the Front Line.

Medal for Mothers and Widows of the Fallen -

Tenth defeat

Military Volunteer Medal -

Awarded to those who entered the Italian armed forces

World War Two Fascist Italy Military Medal. The obverse has the words “DAI COLLIFATALI DI ROMA’’ with a high relief of three faces. I think the one on the left is the Italian Fascist Dictator Mussolini. The reverse has the words 2 OTT XIII - 5 MAG XIV - 18 NOV XIV. Translated the obverse says “Fatal Necks Of Rome”. In October 1935 Italy declared war on Ethiopia.

By 1936 The Italians invade Ethiopia and capture Addis Ababa, the capital. At that time Haile Selassie fled the country and the king of Italy was made Emperor of Ethiopia. The Italians occupied Ethiopia until the British drove them out in 1941 and Haile Selassie is reinstated. I think this Italian medal is for the Ethiopia campaign. Mussolini made his “Fatal Necks of Rome” speech in 1936 and I think that is when this medal dates to.