Circular bronze medal with integral loop for ribbon suspension; the face with a standing soldier facing left, a rifle on his shoulder, a naval cannon to the right, the open sea beyond, inscribed in script above ‘d’acciaio i cuori come cannoni’ (Steel hearts like cannons); the reverse with an upright fasces centrally, a star above, crossed cannons below, all imposed on a naval anchor, circumscribed ‘MILIZIA ARTIGLIERIA MARITTIMA’ (Maritime Artillery Militia); on an old incorrect ribbon (the correct ribbon is black with Italian tricolore to either side.
The Coastal Defence Militia was formed by royal decree on 21 January 1935 following the transfer of responsibility for coastal defence batteries from the army to the navy. It was disbanded on 6 December 1943.
See: Casolari SD65.
The medal is rare (R3).
|