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    medalman90

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    Everything posted by medalman90

    1. 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."
    2. Ok, I understand now. As always Claudio I appreciate your help.
    3. 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.
    4. thanks Claudio, I had a feeling this was a "private purchase"/ engraved example. I know many veterans did this because they didn't want to ware the "real" ones. I dont remember where, but I thought I read somewhere that during the civil war some companies didn't put thier mint mark in the dies to prevent persecution. Is this true?
    5. It just came in yesterday, here are some photos for reference. The box is just for the photo.
    6. Thank you Claudio, I appreciate your help. Silvano was a very brave man! I do just have two questions about the citation. What do "P.M." And "M.M." Stand for?
    7. Hello everyone. I've always have trouble navigating the Italian Gazzete, I'm trying to look up a Valore Medal in Bronze citation to silvano gaiardoni for actions on Leros island (Greece) 1943. Thanks.
    8. For those that are curious, thought out the years I have continued to look into researching this man. With some help from fellow collectors and a bit of luck, here is what I have so far. Ruggero V. Colbertaldo was born December 16th, 1891 in Palermo Sicily. He enrolled in the Infantry College in Modena in 1912. Ruggero served During the First World War on the front lines as a Lieutenant and by the wars end he would make Captain. During the inter-war years, Captain Colbertaldo was a public administrator of a veterans group for officers, His service to the country and organization awarded him a Order of the Crown in 1933. When World War II broke out, the newly promoted Major Colbertaldo was assigned to the 13th R.E. (Kings) Division was on security duty. It was t until April of 1941 that the unit was to take part in the Invasion of Yugoslavia. After the Divisions lightning campaign, Ruggero and his unit are sent to Croatia and Slovenia for Anti-Partizan operations. Josip Tito's forces fought relentlessly against Ruggeros 13th Division in the early months of 1942; at Zuta, Lokva, and ultimately the battle of Netetva. In July of that same year, Major Ruggero Colbertaldo is given orders to make a major assault on the Yugoslav Partisans. They are required to burn down the villages of those who support the resistance, destroy all crops for harvest, and eliminate all who oppose them. From July 12th to August 7th, the division is responsible for the murders of 200 Innocent civilians and the internment of 2,500 people. When Italy surrendered/Capitulated in 1943, Ruggero and his men are still in Bosnia. The Major manages to escape Nazi imprisonment and persecution from the Partizans and arrives to the Italian puppet state in Northern Italy. Re assigned to the re constructed MVSN or the Republican National Guard (G.R.N.) "Mountian and Forrest Legion" Major Colbertaldo is stationed on the Slovenian border and continues to fight Tito and his army. In Giorgio Pisano's book: gli ultimi in grigioverde , Ruggero is listed as missing in action May 25th, 1945 near the town of Gorizia.
    9. I'm trying to research an Italian WWI service and I'm having a difficult time. Normally I wouldn't think too much into it but he was awarded a Legion of Honor and CdG. I've never heard of an Italian decorated with a French order so I believe there is a chance to identify the recipient. So here's what is known off the bat. 1) veteran of the First Ethiopian War, Turkish War, and WWI. 2) judging by this span of service (20-25) he could be a field grade officer. I suggest field grade because of the rosette on the LoH ribbon. The Lowest class or Cavalier class was given to Noncoms and Enlisted men. 3) he was also awarded two Valor medals, at least one of those is linked to the LoH. 4) to be awarded a CdG you have to fight on French Soil. 5) The majority of the Italian army was fighting against the Austrians. It's possible that he could have been stationed in the Alps. I know with some dedication and patients, I can unravel this mystery. But any help is very appreciated.
    10. Just bought this exquisite ribbon bar, is there anyway to look up Italian soldiers/officers awarded the Legion de Honor?
    11. Hello everyone. I'd first like to say that I have really enjoyed reading this thread and have learned quite a bit. Here is my contribution. I had this one researched by Auke. Pvt. Stepan K. Demidenko. Machine Gunner in the MG Company of the AA Battalion of the 183rd Tank Brigade. "During the fighting with the German-fascist invaders in July 1943, at which time he served as a machine gunner as part of a gun crew, he shot down an enemy aircraft. He deserves the Medal for Courage."
    12. thats a shame. its a beautiful award. thank you New World.
    13. Hello all. I have had this Order of the Red Banner for a while now and I am curious if it has any secrets it could share.
    14. Claudio. These are all excellent examples of the badge. Other than the RI example. I never knew of all the different variants. Thank you for sharing.
    15. I am very excited to finally have added these to the collection. The one on the left is for the mutilated in war badge. On the back it says "zecca", the royal mint. And the one on the right is another wound badge from the war invalid association.
    16. Jonas, thank you so much for enlightening me about this piece. you wouldn't happen to know where i can find this book, or at least some scans would you?
    17. Hello all. I came across something today that I really like but know nothing about it. According to the gentelman I spoke to today, thr badge is from the first world war and it is silver. I know Sweden was neutral in during both wars. Any insight on this will truly be appreciated.
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