Italy, Kingdom. Two Campaign Crosses, C.1918

War Merit Cross: in bronze, measuring 38 mm (w) x 43.3 mm (h) inclusive of its ball suspension, original ribbon, edge nicks; and 6th Army Altipiani Commemorative Cross: in bronze, maker marked ""S.J."" (Stefano Johnson) on the obverse, 37.5 mm (w) x 43.5 mm (h) inclusive of its ball suspension, the original ribbon reverse-mounted. Near extremely fine.

Footnote: The War Merit Cross was instituted by King Victor Emanuel III on January 19, 1918. It was awarded to members of the armed forces with a minimum of one year's service in contact with an enemy who received the Medal of the Wounded, or to those who, when mentioned for war merit, received a promotion. Also, if an act of valour was deemed insufficient for the Medal of Military Valour, the War Merit Cross could be awarded instead: from 1922 onwards, a bronze sword on the ribbon showed this class of award. From its institution until May 30, 1927, 1,034,924 Crosses were issued. The 6th Army Altipiani Commemorative Cross was instituted in 1924 and issued to First War veterans of the unit. 

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.