Italy, Republic. An Order of Military Merit of the Italian Republic, III Class Commander, c.1965 Auction Archive original ribbon suspended from a

original ribbon suspended from a traditional Spanish-style horizontal hanger

the reverse with central medallion with date of 1864-1914 on a white enameled background

decorated along the outer circumference with raised oak leaves

when a direct hit by an enemy shell on the ammunition storage killed most of the gun crew including two Cobourg men

although it continued to be awarded by Benito Mussolini in the short-lived Italian Social Republic until 1945

Italy, Republic. An Order of Military Merit of the Italian Republic, III Class Commander, c.1965 Auction Archive original ribbon suspended from a(Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana, Commentadore). Instituted March 3rd, 1951. Type I. (c. 1960s issue). Constructed of silver gilt, consisting of a white enameled Greek cross with ball finals, and with eagles in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, both sides with a gilded five pointed star applied to the center, suspended from a hollow crown and large broad loop suspension from a period original neck ribbon, unmarked, marked 800 for