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When was the Order of Vittorio Veneto founded?

This special honor was created in March 1968. It was started exactly fifty years after World War I finished. The goal was to remember the heroes who fought for Italy half a century earlier.

Who established the order?

The President of Italy at that time, Giuseppe Saragat, started this medal. He wanted a way for the country to say thank you to its survivors. It was a formal way to honor those who had spent time in the trenches.

What title did recipients receive?

Veterans who received this medal were given the title of Knight of Vittorio Veneto. Along with the title, they were given a small amount of money from the government each month. This was a way to help the veterans in their older years.

Can people still earn this medal today?

No, it is no longer possible to earn this award. The medal was meant only for soldiers who fought in World War I. Since all of those brave veterans have now passed away, the order is officially closed.

What does the badge look like?

The medal is shaped like a Greek cross. It hangs from a ribbon that shows the colors of the Italian flag: green, white, and red. It was designed to look noble and represent the gratitude of the entire nation.

When was the Order of Vittorio Veneto founded?

This special honor was created in March 1968. It was started exactly fifty years after World War I finished. The goal was to remember the heroes who fought for Italy half a century earlier.

Who established the order?

The President of Italy at that time, Giuseppe Saragat, started this medal. He wanted a way for the country to say thank you to its survivors. It was a formal way to honor those who had spent time in the trenches.

What title did recipients receive?

Veterans who received this medal were given the title of Knight of Vittorio Veneto. Along with the title, they were given a small amount of money from the government each month. This was a way to help the veterans in their older years.

Can people still earn this medal today?

No, it is no longer possible to earn this award. The medal was meant only for soldiers who fought in World War I. Since all of those brave veterans have now passed away, the order is officially closed.

What does the badge look like?

The medal is shaped like a Greek cross. It hangs from a ribbon that shows the colors of the Italian flag: green, white, and red. It was designed to look noble and represent the gratitude of the entire nation.

Home Library ItalyOrder of Vittorio Veneto

Merit decoration

Order of Vittorio Veneto

This national honor expressed Italy's profound gratitude to the surviving frontline veterans of the First World War.

Italy Established 1968 All servicesPrecedence: Placed after the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded to surviving veterans who served at least six months in active combat during World War I.

Eligibility

Surviving Italian combat veterans of the First World War who held the War Merit Cross.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Placed after the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic

Order of Vittorio Veneto, Merit decoration, Italy medal

History

The Order of Vittorio Veneto was founded in March 1968 by President Giuseppe Saragat. It was created fifty years after the end of World War I to honor surviving veterans who had fought for the nation.

To be admitted, a veteran had to have served at least six months on the front line and been awarded the War Merit Cross. Members held the title of Knight of Vittorio Veneto and received a modest state pension.

The order served as a final tribute to the generation of the trenches. It was officially closed to new appointments after the passing of Italy's last surviving Great War combat veterans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War I

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Giovanni Messe, including War Cross of Military Valor, Commemorative Medal of Military Operations in East Africa, Order of Vittorio Veneto, Allied Victory Medal, Commemorative Medal for the Italo-Austrian War 1915-1918, War Merit Cross, Military Order of Italy, Bronze Medal of Military Valor, Silver Medal of Military Valor, Gold Medal of Military Valor, shown against a light Italy flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWII

War Cross of Military Valor Commemorative Medal of Military Operations in East Africa Order of Vittorio Veneto+7

Giovanni Messe

Who Was Marshal Giovanni Messe?

One of Italy's most decorated generals who led troops in multiple major wars.

Italy1943-05-13

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Sources

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