The Military Order of Italy (Italian: Ordine Militare d'Italia) is the highest military order of the Italian Republic and the former Kingdom of Italy. It was founded as the Military Order of Savoy, a national order by the King of Sardinia, Vittorio Emanuele I, Duke of Savoy in 1815.[1] The order is awarded in five degrees for distinguished wartime conduct of units of the armed forces or individual personnel that has "proven expertise, a sense of responsibility and valour."
Military Order of Italy Ordine Militare d'Italia | |
---|---|
Awarded by the Italian Republic | |
Type | Order of chivalry |
Established | 14 August 1815 |
Country | Italy |
Eligibility | Military personnel |
Criteria | Valour |
Status | Dormant |
Grand Master | President of the Republic |
Chancellor | Minister of Defence |
Grades |
|
Post-nominals | OMI |
Website | www |
Precedence | |
Next (higher) | Order of Merit of the Italian Republic |
Next (lower) | Order of Merit for Labour |
The order was continued on the unification of Italy in 1861 and was revived, under its new name, following the foundation of the Republic in 1946.[2] It is bestowed by decree of the President of the Italian Republic, head of the order, on the recommendation of the Minister of Defence.
Recipients of the Ordine militare di Savoia were transferred retaining their existing accoutrements and seniority.
The various degrees of the order, which may be conferred posthumously, are as follows:
Monarchy | Republic | Class (English) | Full title in Italian |
---|---|---|---|
1st Class / Knight Grand Cross | Cavaliere di Gran Croce dell'Ordine militare d'Italia | ||
2nd Class / Grand Officer | Grande Ufficiale dell'Ordine militare d'Italia | ||
3rd Class / Commander | Commendatore dell'Ordine militare d'Italia | ||
4th Class / Officer | Ufficiale dell'Ordine militare d'Italia | ||
5th Class / Knight | Cavaliere dell'Ordine militare d'Italia |
The lowest of these may also be awarded for peacetime actions.