Italy, Kingdom. An Al Valore Militare Awarded to “Colson, J.E. Chef d’escadron d’état-major.”, c.1857

Medal in die struck solid silver, 33 mm, stamped “F.G” on the obverse. The reverse inscription is dedicated to “Colson, J.E. Chef d’escadron d’état-major.” In very fine condition. Footnote: This Medal was founded by Charles Albert, King of Sardinia in 1833. It was awarded to military personnel of all ranks for extraordinary valour and courage in wartime. This Medal was awarded to Chef d’Escadron of the General Staff, Joseph Emile Colson, for valour in the Crimean War. Footnote: Joseph Emile Colson was born January 29, 1821, in Saint Aubin-sur-Aire, France. He rose through the ranks of the French Army, and by 1854, was named to the General Staff of the reserve division under General Forey. During the Crimean War, he was present at the Battle of Inkerman and the Siege of Sevastopol, where he was injured. In addition to the Medal of Military Valour that he received for this campaign, he was named an Officer in the Legion of Honour. He continued to rise in the ranks during campaigns in Algeria, Italy, and Russia. He was Commander of the 1st Army Corps in the Army of the Rhine at the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War. He died shortly thereafter in combat on August 6th, 1870.