A friend found this with his grandfather's things. He gave me most of the group; vet was in a signals outfit in the 15th AF. I know R. AERONAUTICA A.O. is on a few Italian medals, but haven't found this exact configuration.  Saw a red one with this cross and a blue one with a maltese type cross. I'd like to know what it would have been awarded for. 

A.O.-Africa Oriientale??   Rich A. in Pa.

Right you are. Makes sense, fellow spent time in North Africa and then up into Italy. He'd go in and repair/build communications stuff following the fighting.

Nice medal, is a commemorative medal for italian royal air force in A.O.  Private purchase by veteran.

 

More example on this forum, hope it helps

http://www.iagiforum.info/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=10117

Very interesting! Thanks!