A Valor Medal to an Arditi?

[medalman90]

Very excited about a recent purchase. This  Al Valore Medal in Bronze was awarded to Cosimo Cortrino Turrisi. He was a scout in the 68th Lengano Infantry Regiment, Italian Liberation Corps. I'm having trouble translating his citation but from what I understand, Cosimo was attacking an enemy stronghold with fierce fire until a grenade killed Him. Here is what I have:

"strong enemy attack, to give greater eificacia to fire the weapon if you chose the most 'dangerous place He kept it with daring obstinacy until the grenades contact of the contact. mortally wounded still offered the example of fierce demeanor."

 

at time of his death, the 68th was listed as a "special" infantry regiment. By the end of September 1944 (2 months after he was killed) it was transformed into the 9th Parashoot Assault Regiment. 

[nickstrenk]

Each of Valor Italian Medal with citation deserves the respect of falerists and collectors.Especially,when it talks the story of WW II.My congrulations!

[medalman90]

Sorry for the late reply Nick. Thank you!

[medalman90]

Here’s an update on my research.

 

Cosimo C. Turrisi. 68th Special Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Italian Liberation Corps. 

 

The Corpo Italiano di Liberazione (CIL) was officially created April 18th 1944. It’s first introduction to combat was “Operation Chianti”, the intended goal was to occupy the line between Monte Marrone and Picinisco, so Valle Venafrana and Abruzzo National Park would be under Italian control. 

 

On May 27th, at 7.00am shelling from 11th Artillery Regiment (part of 2nd Battalion) initiated the operation. The preliminary bombardment was raised at 7.25am and the infantry moved from its positions and, despite some difficulty encountered by 68th Infantry Regiment, the objectives of the first day were all met by midday. The decision was taken to push on in order to take the objectives of the second day.

 

The 68th Infantry Regiment was slowed down in its advance on Monte Mattone and La Rocca. The “Piemonte” Alpini Battalion together with IX Arditi Battalion were caught under heavy artillery fire, but the German guns were slow to react to the Italian advance and it proved easier to run forward and dodge the shelling rather than fall back! The “Piemonte” Alpini Battalion occupied Monte di Mare (a different hill from Monte Mare), reaching objectives set for the second day by the end of the first. It was decided to proceed with the third phase on the second day. The first combat operation of the CIL was a success. They continued to great success until July when the lack of motor transport began to stifle the corps as a whole. 

 

From “Belvedere Ridge” (North-Eastern side of Vaccarile), the 68th Infantry Regiment engaged the German Forces in the Misa Valley (south), and in the village of Vaccarile itself. It was here on the 27th of July, where Cosimo Turrisi was killed and awarded the Valor Medal in Bronze for his actions. His Citation reads;

 

"During the strong enemy attack, he displayed a fierce demeanor on the most dangerous position. Using his weapon with great effect and daring obstinacy until falling mortally wounded to grenades."