Introduction The Gold Medal of Military Valour (Italian: Medaglia d’oro al valor militare) is an Italian medal established on 21 May 1793 by King Victor Amadeus III of Sardinia for deeds of outstanding gallantry in war by junior officers and soldiers. The face of the medal displayed the profile of the king, and on its… Read More
Introduction Filippo Illuminato (21 August 1930 to 28 September 1943) was an Italian partisan who died attacking Nazi German troops during the Four days of Naples in World War II. He was posthumously awarded the Gold Medal of Military Valour, Italy’s highest award for gallantry. Background On 03 September 1943, the Allies and the Kingdom… Read More
Introduction Paul Ray Smith (24 September 1969 to 04 April 2003) was a United States Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honour for his actions during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. While serving with B Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division in Baghdad, his team was attacked by a group of… Read More
Introduction Richard Ira Bong (24 September 1920 to 06 August 1945) was a United States Army Air Forces major and Medal of Honour recipient in World War II. He was one of the most decorated American fighter pilots and the country’s top flying ace in the war, credited with shooting down 40 Japanese aircraft, all… Read More
Introduction Anders Frederik Emil Victor Schau Lassen, VC, MC & Two Bars (22 September 1920 to 09 April 1945) was a highly decorated Danish soldier, who was the only non-Commonwealth recipient of the British Victoria Cross in the Second World War. He was posthumously awarded the United Kingdom’s highest gallantry award for his actions during… Read More
Introduction Charles William Train VC (21 September 1890 to 28 March 1965) was an English born recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest British honour awarded for gallantry in the presence of the enemy. It was awarded in the First World War to British and Dominion forces and the Indian Army. Background He was 27… Read More
Introduction Colin Fraser Barron VC (20 September 1893 to 15 August 1958) was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Background He was born at Boyndie, Banffshire, Scotland, a son of Margaret… Read More
