Order of Merit of the Italian Republic — Military Decorations

Order of Merit of the Italian Republic Medal and Ribbon Design Images

The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic comes with a unique service ribbon, which is worn on the recipient's uniform in situations where the full medal is not worn. If you have earned this decoration, you can wear the service ribbon on your ribbon rack.
Design of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic

The badge of the Order of Merit of the Italian republic was lastly modified in 2001. The current badge bears the inscription "Al Merito della Repubblica" encircling the national coat of arms on the obverse. The Latin Patriae "Unitati" (the union of the country) and "Civium Libertati" (the liberty of the people) encircles the head of Italia Turrita on the reverse.

What is the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic Decoration?

The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic was founded by the second President of the Italian Republic, Luigi Einaudi, in 1951. The Order is considered as the senior order of knighthood and highest ranking honor system of the Republic. The Order is awarded for "merit acquired by the nation" in the fields of the arts, literature, economy, social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities. In addition, it is awarded for long and conspicuous service in the civilian and military career field. The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic has 5 classes; Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight. The order is bestowed by decree of the President of the Italian Republic, as head of the order of knighthood under the recommendation of the President of the Council of Ministers. Individuals who are awarded by the Order include Current President of Austria, Heinz Fisher, Prince - Grandmaster Fra' Matthew Festing of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Roberto Saban of CERN's Engineering, and Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad. President Bashar Al-Assad of Syria was given the highest award of the Knight?s Grand Cross. However, it was revoked by the President of Italy on September 28th, 2012 with reason of ?indignity?.

The United States military sorts decorations into categories called Classes and Types. The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic medal is classified as a International Award of the type International Senior Military Award.

How Do You Earn the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic?

The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic is awarded for "merit acquired by the nation" in the fields of literature, the arts, economy, social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities and for long and conspicuous service in the civilian and military career field. No one can be awarded for the first time a rank higher than Knight except in exceptional circumstances, . The minimum age requirement is normally 35.

Order of Merit of the Italian Republic Associated Branches

Army

army

Navy

Air Force

Marine Corps

Order of Merit of the Italian Republic Associated Branches

Army

army

Navy

Air Force

Marine Corps

Order of Merit of the Italian Republic and the Stolen Valor Act

The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 is a federal law that makes it illegal for any person to falsely claim to be the recipient of certain military awards, "with the intention of obtaining money, property, or other tangible benefit by convincing another that he or she received the award".This decoration is covered by the Stolen Valor act. Fraudulently claiming to have received a Order of Merit of the Italian Republic can result in punishment including a fine, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both


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