Unit LXXII Zaptié Corps Rank Muntaz Allegiance Kingdom of Italy | Died 1941 Service/branch Italian Army | |
Battles/wars World War II
East African Campaign Awards Gold Medal of Military Valor Award Gold Medal of Military Valour Battles and wars World War II, East African Campaign | ||
Unatù Endisciau was an Ethiopian soldier who served in the Italian Army during World War II. He was the only "soldier of colour" or native, to be awarded the Gold Medal of Military Valor, which is Italy's highest award for bravery. Unatù served as a Muntaz in the LXXII Zaptié Corps.
Following the surrender of the Debra Tabor garrison, Endisciau and some other colonial soldiers refused to surrender their battalion's banner and instead attempted to reach Italian lines at Kulkaber 106 kilometers away; Endisciau led the group there. Along the way they were harassed by local guerrillas supporting the Allies and Endisciau was briefly captured by a guerrilla leader but escaped. As they reached Kulkaber, Endisciau was wounded when attempting to cross an Italian minefield; he was taken to the infirmary after insisting that his comrades deliver the banner. He died shortly thereafter, declaring that he was glad to reach Italian lines and see his banner remain in Italian hands.