Hi everyone,   with this post, I would like to share with you the history and memorabilia of my great-grandfather, a soldier who served Italy within the elite troops of the Great War. This is a collection of documents and items that belonged to a member of the XXVII Reparto d'Assalto, one of the most famous and decorated units of the entire Arditi corps. Through this grouping, we can retrace not only his military career but also his private life and the recognition the State bestowed upon him in the years following the conflict. Here is a detailed look at the elements that make up this extraordinary historical testimony: 1. Personal Documents: A collection of official records, including his birth certificate, marriage certificate, and subsequent pension applications. 2. Service Record: The fundamental document for any historical research, where promotions, campaigns, and the soldier's performance notes are recorded. 3. Letter of Commendation (1918): A very rare and touching piece. It is a handwritten letter from the battalion commander (Luigi Freguglia) shortly after the end of the war, expressing honor and deep esteem for the courage shown by my great-grandfather. 4. Pension Books: Documentation regarding social security and economic support post-conflict. 5. The Arditi Dagger: The symbolic weapon of these units. As per tradition, it was made by shortening old bayonets to create an agile and lethal close-combat weapon, perfect for trench raids. 6. Identity and Annuity: His identity card and the official certificate of enrollment for the annuity linked to the decorations earned in the war. 7. Uniform Insignia: The iconic black "two-point" collar patches and the Arditi arm badge (the gladius with a laurel wreath), which identified him as assault troops. 8. Knight of Vittorio Veneto: The original diploma certifying the honor of Cavaliere dell'Ordine di Vittorio Veneto, awarded to veterans who fought for at least six months during World War I. 9. Medal for Military Valor Diploma: The official document for the award of the Bronze Medal for Military Valor, certifying an act of bravery performed on the field. 10. Complete Medal Set: The display case containing all his original honors and decorations.     Analyzing the Medal Display (Point 10)   In the left quadrant: We find the War Merit Cross (Croce al Merito di Guerra), followed by the Volunteer Merit Medal (Medaglia di Benemerenza per i Volontari), characterized by its red ribbon. Below is the Commemorative Medal for the Italo-Austrian War, known as "Enemy Bronze" (Bronzo Nemico) because it was struck from the metal of captured enemy cannons; this piece features 4 bronze bars, one for each year spent in the war zone. In the bottom right of this section, the quadrant concludes with the Medal in Memory of the Unification of Italy, with its classic tricolor ribbon.   In the right quadrant: In the top right stands the Cross of the Order of Vittorio Veneto (Croce dell'Ordine di Vittorio Veneto), while to the left we find the Allied Victory Medal (Medaglia Interalleata della Vittoria). Positioned at the bottom is the Gold Medal for the Anniversary of the Victory and, finally, in the bottom right, the Arditi Cross. The latter is not an official state honor, but an exclusive and highly prestigious award granted only to those who served in the assault units.   In the center: At the bottom center of the display is the ANMIG badge (National Association of Wounded and Disabled Veterans). This symbol certifies that my great-grandfather was wounded in combat specifically, he was shot in the chest. Historically, this badge is roughly comparable to the Purple Heart, as it identifies those wounded in action for their country. At the top center, with the blue ribbon, is the most important honor: the Medal for Military Valor (Medaglia al Valor Militare). It was awarded to him for an act of immense bravery: saving a fellow soldier, on his own initiative and alone, voluntarily exposing himself to direct fire from an enemy machine gun. The Medal for Military Valor is comparable to high-level U.S. decorations such as the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, or Silver Star.     Random pictures of Arditi in the WWI         As I previously mentioned in a post on USMF, my great-grandfather and my entire family collaborated with the partisans and the Allies during World War II for the liberation of Italy.   I hope this grouping is of interest to you. It is an honor for me to be able to preserve the memory of a man who was part of such a legendary unit.  

Just noticed this now. It seems the Troops are all wearing the Royal Canadian Regiment Regimental Ascot.

These look very fake to me. Does anyone else have any input.  

The upcoming Countryside (Chicago) Military Show will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Local 150/Countryside Banquets: 6200 Joliet Rd Countryside, IL 60525 Located close to I-294 & I-55 on Historic Route 66. (Door is located behind the building. Follow signs in parking lot.) 2026 Dates: March 21st, 2026 August 8th, 2026 October 10th, 2026 Friday Setup: Dealers: 4:00pm to 7:00pm *No Public or Early Entry Will Be Allowed On This Day. Saturday: Dealers: 7:00am to 4:00pm Early Access Allowed in at: 7:45am Public: 8:30am to 3:00pm Admission is $5.00 Kids Under 10 Free. Early Access Saturday: $20.00 (7:45am) Parking at the show is free. Follow onsite signs and the directions of our parking staff. For Tables Contact Austin or Mike:  Phone:  Austin: (248) 342-2594 (Evenings) Mike: (310) 779-3529 (Daytime/Evenings) Email: ChicagoMilitaryShows@Gmail.com  

Yes, I came across it at an antique market I frequent. Recognized it as something pretty unique.

I agree with Mike, the clasp is incorrect as well as the hinge I believe. 

The distinctive inspection down-wing eagle identifies this as Luftwaffe issue.   Nice.   

Nice!  

The black background at the center does not appear to be crimped in.  Is this square piece glued or painted ?  

I see no red flags with your holster.  It appears to be un-issued and in nice condition for a 7,65 police pistol.     Here is a similar police holster in black leather. 

Welcome.  

Hello everyone!  Sorry for the delay in updating, but we really wanted to get some research done on the ring before moving forward. The wonderful Robert McDivitt delved into the archives in D.C. last month and sent me over (50) pages of research, which will all go to the new owner when the ring when sold. It was also authenticated by D. Boyle through the auction house. Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions throughout this process--we started at zero and learned so much along the way! The ring and presentation box will be auctioned through Ratisbon's in April. For details, click here, and thanks again! https://www.ratisbons.com/11th-usa-auction/ss-honor-ring-with-partial-case-ss-sturmbannfuehrer-helmut-giesselmann.html