Type Order of knighthood Status Abolished Last awarded 15 March 2010 | Eligibility Military veterans Established 18 March 1968 | |
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Awarded for 1915–1918 and earlier conflicts | ||
The military Order of Vittorio Veneto was founded as national order by the fifth President of the Italian Republic, Giuseppe Saragat, in 1968, "to express the gratitude of the nation" to those decorated with the Medal and Cross of War for Military Valour (Medaglia e Croce di Guerra al Valor Militare) who had fought for at least six months in World War I and earlier conflicts.
Awarded in the single degree of Knight, a small annuity was granted in favour of those recipients who did not enjoy an income above their tax allowance, payable to the widow or minor children on death. The allowance was also granted to those that fought in the former Austro-Hungarian armed forces who became Italian citizens after annexation.
The order was bestowed by decree of the President of the Republic, its head, on the recommendation of the Minister of Defence. A Lieutenant General chaired the council, which screened applications made by eligible parties to the municipality of residence. With the death of the last surviving Knights of Vittorio Veneto in 2008, the order fell into abeyance and, in 2010, it was formally wound-up by repeal of the original legislation.