History

This Medal was founded to recognize the exceptional efforts of Italian men and women who had worked tirelessly to care for the sick, wounded, and suffering, and who had furthered public health and hygiene.

The bronze grade was added to the Medal on May 5, 1889.

The engraved name of the recipient may be featured on the reverse alongside the inscription.

The Type III Medals were awarded during the reign of King Victor Emmanuel III. There were two main versions of this Medal.

The Medals with the young portrait of King Victor Emmanuel III may be stamped with the engraver mark “S.J.” and have a Latin inscription on the reverse, or they may be stamped with the engraver mark “REGIA ZECCA,” “GIORGI,” “C.CALVI,” or “38 MI” and have an Italian inscription on the reverse.

The Medals with the mature portrait of King Victor Emmanuel III may be stamped with the engraver mark “ROMAGNOLI Z” and have an Italian inscription on the reverse.