Croatia. A Document For The Award Of The King Zvonimir Order, To An Italian Officer

A large size formal award document, for the Award of the King Zvonimir Order 1st Class with Oakleaves (for Gallantry in action), 28cm x 37cm, awarded to Tenente Colonnello Antonio Portanova; awarded for his "dedicated and tireless work in area of technical execution of all commands during the operations and relief of units and population of Udbina." Dated March 1, 1943, in Zagreb. Original ink signature of General Knight Vilko Begic on the left; signed in ink by General Percevic on the right; folded, in used condition, in very fine condition and scarce to an Italian Officer.

Footnote: town of Udbina is located in south-central Croatia: in August of 1942 Partisans forces attacked Udbina with much superior forces, at the time occupied by Croatian Ustaša and Domobrani forces, and small number of Italian Officer's and men. During the battle Partisans suffered heavy losses and retreated. Town of Udbina (half way between Zagreb and Split) remained contested between Partisans, Croatian, Italian and German forces during the War, resulting in heavy devastation of the town.