Italy The Circle and The Cross

[medalman90]

Let me start by saying that this group is one of my favorites. This popped up on ebay in 2012 and once I read the documents I knew I had to have it. But sadly the seller foolishly split up the medals and documents, and it has taken me the past two years to track down all the missing parts (with some extras for display). The documents

In the group contain a full service record, orders, awards, and letters from his wife requesting these papers from the government. Gentleman, I'd like to introduce; Mr. Athos Gandalf.

Athos was born in March of 1910 in the providence of Mantova. He enlisted in the Italian Army November 1st 1927 and was assigned to the 7th Bersaglieri Regiment. In 1935 promoted to Sergeant Major and attached to the 3rd Bersaglieri Regiment (1st Colonial Infantry Regiment Lybia) and sent to Italian Somaliland to take part in major road construction and linguistics.

When the Second Italian Ethiopian War broke out, Athoss unit was part of an attack force that invaded Ethiopia from the south. Athos came into contact with the enemy on April 14, 1936 Gianagobò River, where the Ethiopians were fortified, and the resistance was fierce, facilitated by the uneven terrain and anfrattuoso, the battle raged until the 16th, when the Ethiopians withdrew suffering heavy losses capturing many prisoners,1000 guns, dozens of machine guns and a cannon, but left about 200 men, including two officers. On the 18th, 1st Division Libya took the town of Bircut and Ducan on the 22nd. A large assault on the Ethiopian camp Sassabaneh began two days later. Despite setbacks for Athos and the Division, the Italians and allied colonial armies routed the Ethiopians. The Southern Attack Force regrouped in the city of Dagabur . After hostilities in Ethiopia ceaced, Athos and the 1st Libyan Division returned to Tripoli (Capital of Libya) where the unit was dispended and Athos was sent back to Italy.

On January 22nd 1937 his unit was folded into the Volunteer Littorio Division to fight in the Spanish Civil War. He arrived to the new theater of war July 17th 1938. The following month his unit was in the village of Castelldans. August 9th 1938, while fighting in the Lerida province, the Sergeant Major and his men engaged an enemy position in the street. Despite the wounds he received, he rapidly overwhelmed the enemy using grenades. He not only successfully completed his objective; he captured many enemy troops and weapons. For his actions he was awarded the Croce Di Guerra Al Valore (War Cross for Valor), the Wound Badge and Bravery Cross from Spain. June 6th 1939 Athos returns to Italy with his men.

In September World War II breaks out, but Italy does not enter the fighting until June 10th 1940. Athos and the 7th Bersaglieri are held in reserves. On February 23rd 1942, Athos arrives in Tripoli with the 12th Bersaglieri and the 133rd Littorio Tank Division. On April 21st 1942, the two divisions encountered heavy Australian resistance inside the town of Homs. Despite the disadvantage, Athos lead his men courage and distinction against a superior enemy force. His bravery in the field and drive beyond the call of duty awards him the Medal of Valor in Bronze. On May 4th, Athos is brought to a military hospital in Tripoli due to an illness. On the 19th Athos is placed on the Hospital Ship Arno and arrived in Naples on the 21st. Due to a lung condition called Pleurisy, Athos is unfit for active duty. But this does not stop him from a career in the military.

In September of 1943, Italy surrendered and weeks later the King of Italy agrees to join the Allies. Italy is now divided by North and South, civil war ensues. The Sergeant Major is stationed in France with the 103rd Motorized Company. Recalled to arms by the fascist Italian government in the North, Athos is stationed to the 3rd Military Command in Milan (1st Automotive Squad). Athos struggled with his illness for the rest of the war, in and out of hospitals. Athos dies on September 29th 1947, leavening a wife and son.

[medalman90]

The medals:

[medalman90]

[medalman90]

ATHOS in italy? Early 30s?

[RRA227]

Nice. The cuff title seems a bit R.S.I.. Rich A. in Pa.

[medalman90]

Im not 100% on its authentisity. But it would make sense that he had it being stationed in northern italy for the remainder of the war.

[claudio2574]

Sadly the habit to spread out documents and medal is widely used...

[Great Dane]

Really enjoyed reading the story

Excellent job getting it all back together

Did you manage to track down his actual medals or did you have to substitute with something similar?

/Mike

[medalman90]

Sorry for the delayed responce. Claudio, you would think people would realize the value (in dollars and historically) in keeping everything together. Mike, sadly I had to search for similar items. Fortunately I previously owned most of the medals he was awarded. The hardest was the spanish wound medal to foreigners. Also, thank you for the kind words.

[Chris Boonzaier]

Sorry for the delayed responce. Claudio, you would think people would realize the value (in dollars and historically) in keeping everything together.

Unfortunately Groups are often worth more when split :-(

Sad fact.....

[medalman90]

Chris, im on the fence about that. I think its fair to say that the more valuable medals of the group would be fought over fiercely. But the more common campgain medals people would leave alone. Its a fair statement because medal collecting isn't nearly as popular as itonce was, but to true collectors, the value ing unity both with money and preservation.

[medalman90]

You know chris, this question would make an interesting sub topic.