Italy, Kingdom. A Fourth Army Commemorative Cross 1915-1918

 In bronze gilt with blue and white enamels, maker marked ""L. FASSINO TORINO"", along with being marked ""DEPOSITATO"" (Filed) and ""DIS. A. CALY"" on the reverse, 50 mm (w) x 54.3 mm inclusive of its integral ring suspension, original ribbon with pinback, intact enamels, scattered gilt wear, near extremely fine.

Footnote: During the First World War, the Fourth Army faced Austro-Hungarian and German forces, positioned between the Asiago plateau and the Carnic Alps. During the Caporetto disaster, it had to withdraw to the Mount Grappa massif, where it won the defensive battle of Mount Grappa. It then participated in the successful Battle of the Piave River (June 1918) and the Battle of Vittorio Veneto (October and November 1918). Its commanders were: Luigi Nava (May 1915 to September 1915), Mario Nicolis di Robilant (September 1915 to February 1918) and Gaetano Giardino (April 1918 to December 1918).

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.