Franco Martelli
Franco Martelli | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 3 January 1906 Vinci, Kingdom of Italy |
| Died | 15 December 1935 (aged 29) Dembeguina Pass, Ethiopian Empire |
| Allegiance |  Italy |
| Branch |  Royal Italian Army |
| Years of service | 1928–1935 |
| Rank | Reserve Lieutenant |
| Unit | IV Fast Tank Group |
| Battles/wars | Second Italo-Ethiopian War † |
| Awards | Gold Medal of Military Valor |
Franco Martelli (3 January 1906 – 15 December 1935) was an Italian tank officer of the Royal Italian Army, awarded the Gold Medal of Military Valor in memory during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War.
Biography
Born in Vinci as the son of Alessandro Martelli and Dolores Corsi. After enrolling as a reserve officer cadet, he attended the Cavalry Application School in Pinerolo, graduating in March 1928 with the rank of second lieutenant and being assigned to the 4th "Genova Cavalleria" Regiment. In 1929, he obtained a law degree from the University of Florence and returned to civilian life, where he held a responsible position at an important banking institution.[1]
In September 1935, recently promoted to lieutenant in the reserve, he requested and obtained recall to active service in view of the impending war in Ethiopia. After arriving in Italian Eritrea, he was initially assigned to the headquarters of the II Army Corps commanded by General Pietro Maravigna. Dissatisfied with staff duties and eager to fight at the front, he repeatedly requested a combat assignment and was eventually transferred to a squadron of light assault tanks attached to a group of indigenous bands, with which he took part in active operations.[2]
He was killed in action at Dembeguina Pass, in the Shire region, on 15 December 1935 during a fierce engagement. During the battle, he assumed command of his squadron after the death of his captain and, leaving his tank under heavy enemy fire to assess the situation, issued orders and personally led his men. Mortally wounded, he continued to encourage his men during the fighting before being shot dead by an Ethiopian machine-gunner.[3]
For his conduct in battle, he was posthumously awarded the Gold Medal of Military Valor by Royal Decree of 18 June 1936. His memory was later commemorated through dedications of school classrooms and local institutions, as well as by the Fasci Italiani di Combattimento of Vinci and the stadium of Empoli.[4]
References
- ↑ Quirinale (ed.). "Medaglia d'oro al valor militare Martelli, Franco".
- ↑ Quirinale (ed.). "Medaglia d'oro al valor militare Martelli, Franco".
- ↑ Stephenson, Charles. Mussolini, Mustard Gas and the Fascist Way of War. p. 84. Search this book on
- ↑ Quirinale (ed.). "Medaglia d'oro al valor militare Martelli, Franco".
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