Orders, decorations, and medals of Italy

The use of awards of the Holy See (including the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre) is to be authorized by Presidency of the Council of Ministers, while the use of those of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, enjoying formal recognition in Italy, do not need any authorization to boast.

In fact, Umberto II, the last King of Italy did not abdicate, and so he preserved his fons honorum: today the Grand Mastership of the orders remain under the prerogatives of Head of the House of Savoy, claimed between Vittorio Emanuele, Prince of Naples and Aimone, Duke of Aosta.

While their bestowal is suppressed by law in Italy, the use of those decorations conferred prior to 1951 is recognised, exclusive of any right of precedence in official ceremonies.

[4] The House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies from the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies additionally continues to bestow knighthoods, including the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George which is fully recognised by the Italian republic.

The badge bears the inscription Al Merito della Repubblica encircling the national emblem on the obverse and Patriae Unitati and Civium Libertati encircling the head of Italia Turrita on the reverse.

[9] The associated Medal of Military Valour, established in 1932, is subdivided into gold, silver and bronze categories.

The Knight Bachelor, usually transmitted by male primogeniture, was similar to a British baronetcy but older.

[19] It was established on 1 April 1800 by Ferdinand IV of Naples and III Sicily to reward men who performed important deeds and gave proof of loyalty to the Head of the Royal House and to the Royal Family.

"Number of Order 11996/ The President of the Republic/ Head of the Order of Vittorio Veneto/ on proposal of the Minister of Defence/ with Decree dated 16.06.1973/ has conferred the honour of/ Knight /of the Order of Vittorio Veneto/ on Mr. Arnolfo Mugnai /in accordance with Art. 4 of the Law No. 263 of 18 March 1968 in recognition of/ merit for combat, with right to bear the relative insignia/ Rome, 16.06.1973/ (Signed) the President of the Council of the Order."
Letters patent of a Knight of the Order of Vittorio Veneto , shown with badge and miniature
A ribbon 1/8 green, 1/8 red, 4/8 green, 1/8 red and 1/8 green.
A ribbon 1/3 blue, 1/3 red and 1/3 blue.
A ribbon 1/3 green, 1/3 red and 1/3 green.
A ribbon 1/18 green, 1/18 white 14/18 red, 1/18 white and 1/18 green.
A ribbon 1/18 green, 1/18 white, 1/18 red, 1/18 green, 1/18 white, 1/18 red, 2/18 white, 2/18 blue, 2/18 white, 1/18 green, 1/18 white, 1/18 red,1/18 green, 1/18 white and 1/18 red.
A red ribbon bearing a gold cross of four pommels engraved with the Annunciation.
A green ribbon.
A ribbon 3/8 red, 2/8 white and 3/8 red.
A ribbon 1/3 white, 1/3 dark blue and 1/3 white, bearing a pale blue Greek cross engraved with a monogram on a gold disc.
A ribbon 1/18 green, 1/18 white 14/18 red, 1/18 white and 1/18 green.
A ribbon 1/8 purple, 1/8 yellow 4/8 purple, 1/8 yellow and 1/8 purple.