History

This Order was originally known as the Military Order of Savoy, which was instituted by King Victor Emmanuel I in 1815. It was revised and re-instituted in 1947 as the Military Order of Italy by the President of the Italian Republic, Luigi Einaudi.

This Order is currently the highest military decoration within the Italian Republic, and it is conferred upon individual Italian citizens and members of the Italian Armed Forces in recognition of valorous and skillful wartime actions. It may also be awarded posthumously, in peacetime, and to foreigners who have rendered service to Italy in wartime.

The President of the Republic is the head of the Order.

The Grand Cross and Grand Cross Breast Star are restricted to a total of 12 members.

See Military Order of Savoy, in the Orders of the Kingdom of Sardinia & Kingdom of Italy (1793-1945) for more information.