Medal of Aeronautic Valor

Discussions resumed with the official formation of the Regia Aeronautica Italiana (Italian Royal Air Force) as a separate service in 1923.

The criteria for conferral remained virtually unchanged until 1939, when a decree restricted its award solely to members of the Italian military.

Prior to the outbreak of World War II, the recipients were primarily those who had distinguished themselves in air races or had set speed and distance records.

In 1938 it was awarded to Lufthansa airline pilot Kurt Grosschopff for his rescue of Mario Stoppani whose plane had crashed in the South Atlantic.

"[2] Recipients of the medal in the 21st century include three Italian astronauts: Roberto Vittori, Maurizio Cheli, and Luca Parmitano.