History

The Medal was founded by Umberto I to commemorate the unification of Italy into a cohesive Kingdom, and it was initially awarded to all citizens who had fought for the Confederation of Italy from 1848-1870.

It was re-issued in 1922 to reward citizens who had rendered service in during World War I, and for the families of soldiers killed in action.

The Medal was issued for a third time in 1940 to recognize service in the Rijeka Expedition and the March on Rome.

Thus the Medal has three main versions.

The medals issued first in 1883, were only composed of silver, feature the portrait of Umberto I on the obverse medallion, and have the obverse inscription “UMBERTO I RE D’ITALIA,” and the reverse inscription “UNITÁ D’ITALIA 1848-1870.” These medals may be engraved with a mark, including “SPERANZA,” “L.GEORGI F.,” “S.J.,” “TACCONET,” “L.R.,” “C.A.,” “GRAZIOLI F.,” “F.AMOROSO,” “E.GRAMAGLIA,” “C.N.,” and “G.M.,” or have no engraved mark at all. They may also have a clasp on the ribbon reading "1915-18."

The medals issued second in 1922, were only composed of bronze, feature the left facing or right facing portrait of Victor Emmanuel III on the obverse medallion, and have the obverse inscription “VITTORIO EMANUELE III RE D’ITALIA,” and the reverse inscription “UNITÁ D’ITALIA 1848-1918.” These medals may be engraved with a mark, including “S.J.,” “L.M.,” “FERREA GENOVA,”, “A.DONZELLI,” “MARIO NELLI INC.C.RIVALTA MOD. CBC,” and “MARIO NELLI INC.C.RIVALTA MOD. CBC,” or have no engraved marks at all. They may also have a clasp on the ribbon reading "1918."

The medals issued third in 1940, were only composed of bronze, feature the right facing portrait of Victor Emmanuel III on the obverse medallion, and have the obverse inscription “VITTORIO EMANUELE III RE D’ITALIA,” and the reverse inscription “UNITÁ D’ITALIA 1848-1922.” These medals may be engraved with a mark, including “S.J.,” and “L.M.,” or have no engraved marks at all.

The medal issued second and third also have a version reserved for the families of the deceased. These medals feature engraved marks on the reverse. The medals issued second are marked “ASS.NAZ.MADRI E VEDOVE DEI CADUTI,” or “ASS.NAZ.MADRI E VEDOVE DEI CADUTI IN GUERRA ASSOCIAZIONE NAZIONALE FAMIGLIE CADUTI IN GUERRA.” The medals issued third are marked “ASS.NAZ.FAMIGLIE DEI CADUTI IN GUERRA.”