History

This Medal was unofficially founded in 1919 by General Gabriele d'Annunzio, Prince of Montenevoso and Duke of Gallese, to commemorate his unofficial expedition to secure the port of Fiume. It was officially recognized as a decoration in 1926. The Medal was primarily awarded to the 2500 volunteers who had participated in the march of Ronchi to arrive at Fiume, and those who had reached Fiume by ship. It was also conferred upon the supporters of the expedition, and individuals who had rendered service in “Bloody Christmas” clashes in Fiume from December 24-December 28, 1820.

In 1926 the Medal was first amended to reward members of the Blackshirts (MVSN Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza Nazionale), and in 1938 the Medal was expanded again to include members of the Armed Forces.

The design of this Medal was created by General Gabriele d’Annunzio, and modeled by Adolfo De Carolis.