The Alpini Battalion "Val Brenta" (Italian: Battaglione Alpini "Val Brenta") is an inactive mountain warfare battalion of the Italian Army based last in Bruneck in South Tyrol.
The battalion belongs to the Italian Army's Alpini infantry speciality and was assigned to the Alpine Brigade "Tridentina".
In 1915, the army formed a new Alpini Battalion "Val Brenta", which fought in World War I in the alpine areas of the Italian front.
The battalion was tasked with manning the easternmost Alpine Wall fortifications in the upper Puster Valley.
In 1976, the battalion incorporated the companies of the disbanded Alpini Fortification Battalion "Val Cismon", which were tasked with manning the Alpine Wall fortifications that blocked passage from the Puster Valley to the Cadore area.
In 1979, the battalion incorporated the companies of the disbanded Alpini Battalion "Val Chiese", which were tasked with manning the Alpine Wall fortifications that blocked passage over the Brenner Pass and Reschen Pass, as well as through the Passeier Valley and the Eisack Valley.
[1][2] On 5 October 1882, the Royal Italian Army's 4th Alpini Regiment formed the Battalion "Val Brenta" in Bassano.
On 1 November 1886, the Alpini battalions changed their names from their recruiting zones to the cities and towns, where their base was located.
[1][2][4] On 23 May 1915, Italy declared war on Austro-Hungary and the Alpini Battalion "Val Brenta" occupied position on the Asiago plateau.
In May 1916, the battalion fought in the Battle of Asiago and in September of the same year occupied the recently conquered summit of Monte Cauriol.
[1][2][4] For its conduct and sacrifice on [Monte Cauriol on 2-3 September 1916 the Alpini Battalion "Val Brenta" was awarded a Silver Medal of Military Valor, which was affixed to the flag of the 6th Alpini Regiment and added to the regiment's coat of arms.
[1][2][4] After the conclusion of World War I the "Val Brenta" battalion was sent to South Tyrol on occupation duty.
The three battalions were assigned to the 6th Alpini Group, with which they participated in June 1940 in the Italian invasion of France.
The XXIII Alpini Position Battalion was based in Innichen and tasked with maintaining and, in case of war, manning the Alpine wall positions at Winnebach, Vierschach, and Toblach, which blocked passage through the upper Drava valley.
At the same time the Barrier Group "Cadore" was renamed XIX Alpini Position Battalion.
The same day, 30 June 1979, the Alpini Fortification Battalion "Val Chiese" in Sterzing was disbanded.