Military Order of Italy — Safekipedia Adventurer

The Military Order of Italy (Italian: Ordine Militare d'Italia) is the highest military order of the Italian Republic and the former Kingdom of Italy. It was created a long time ago in 1815 by the King of Sardinia, Vittorio Emanuele I, who was also the Duke of Savoy. At that time, it was called the Military Order of Savoy.

This special award is given to members of the armed forces or whole units for showing great bravery and responsibility during wartime. There are five different levels of this award.

Even when Italy changed from a kingdom to a republic, this order continued to exist. After the foundation of the Republic in 1946, it was renamed the Military Order of Italy. Today, the President of the Italian Republic gives out the award, but only after the Minister of Defence suggests someone deserves it.

Grades

People who received the Ordine militare di Savoia kept their old awards and places.

The order has different levels. These awards can be given even after someone has died.

The lowest level can be given for actions done during peaceful times.

Monarchy	Republic	Class (English)	Full title in Italian
		1st Class / Knight Grand Cross	Cavaliere di Gran Croce dell'Ordine militare d'Italia
		2nd Class / Grand Officer	Grande Ufficiale dell'Ordine militare d'Italia
		3rd Class / Commander	Commendatore dell'Ordine militare d'Italia
		4th Class / Officer	Ufficiale dell'Ordine militare d'Italia
		5th Class / Knight	Cavaliere dell'Ordine militare d'Italia

Insignia

The badge of the Military Order of Italy is a golden cross with white enamel and green laurel and oak leaves between its arms. Officers and Knights wear this badge on a ribbon on the left side of their chest, while Commanders and Grand Officers wear it on a necklet.

The star of the order is a silver eight-pointed star with the badge in the middle, worn only by Knights Grand Cross and Grand Officers. The ribbon of the order is blue and red. Knights Grand Cross wear a sash with the badge hanging from it.

The design of the badge has changed over time. During the time of the monarchy, it had certain symbols, but today it shows the letters R.I. for Repubblica Italiana and the year 1947, when Italy's constitution was created.