History

This Medal was instituted by Victor Emmanuele II to commemorate the unification of Italy in 1861. It was awarded to all individuals who had participated in the independence war campaigns that resulted in the formation of the Kingdom of Italy.

The Medal's ribbon may be decorated with clasps denoting the campaigns in which the recipient had rendered service.

Possible clasps include: "1948-1849" (First War of Independence), "1855-1856" (Crimean War), "1859" (Second War of Independence), "1860-1861" (Garibaldi's Expeditions), "1866" (Third War of Independence), "1867" (War against Rome), and "1870" (Capture of Rome).

Each Medal may feature the signature of the engraver or no signature at all. Known signatures include, “CANZANI,” “SJ” (Stefano Johnson, Milan), “CASSINA,” “SUDRIE ROMA R OLIVIERI F,” “A.C.,” “TACCONET,” “DEGREG,” “GRAZIOLI F.,” “L.R.,” “G.M.,” “GRECO,” “GRAMAGLIA,” “AMOROSO,” “OLIVIERI NAPOLI OLIVIERI F.,” “E.FALOT E.FALOT,” and “E.FALOT.”