Italy, Kingdom. A Medal For The Expedition To Fiume 1919

(Medaglia Commemorativa della Spedizione di Fiume). Instituted in 1919. In bronze, obverse illustrating a Roman eagle standard above raised arms holding daggers, inscribed in Latin "HIC MANEBIMVS OPTIME’ (Here we will very well stay), reverse inscribed "Al LIBERATORI XII SETTEMBRE MCMXIX" (To the Liberators 12 September 1919) above a wreath of laurel leaves, a scroll below inscribed "FIUME d’ITALIA’ (Italian Fiume), measuring 39 mm in diameter, very light contact, on an incorrect ribbon for the Medal of National Gratitude to Mothers of the Fallen, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The medal was instituted on September 12, 1919 by Gabriele d’Annunzio, leader of the unofficial expedition, to seize control of the port of Fiume. It was awarded to the 2,500 volunteers who participated in the expedition and to its notable supporters. On January 31, 1926 by Royal Decree No. 273, members of the Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza Nazionale (National Security Volunteer Militia) were given the right to wear the medal and by Royal Decree No. 1179 of July 5, 1938, this was extended to all members of the Italian Armed Forces. The medal was designed by A. de Carolis and manufactured by S. Johnson but was not signed or marked.