The war flag of the 151st Infantry Regiment of the Sassari Brigade was awarded the Army's silver medal for valor for its commitment in the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon , in the period between August 2024 and February 2025.
The award was conferred during the ceremony for the 165th anniversary of the establishment of the Italian Army , which took place in the presence of the Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Luciano Portolano, the Chief of the Army General Staff, Lieutenant General Carmine Masiello, and numerous other civil and military authorities.
"Today I am not only here to celebrate an anniversary, but to honor those who are serving in Italy and abroad, and those who, sadly, are no longer with us. My thoughts," Minister Crosetto said in his speech, "also turn to April 6, 2009, when L'Aquila and its surrounding area were struck by a terrible tragedy. Bringing Army Day here is a sign of respect for a community that was able to transform pain into rebirth, to rise again and rebuild. A community that, in that journey, was never alone: it had the Army, the Armed Forces, and the State at its side from the very beginning."
The decoration recognizes the Sassari Brigade as a "prestigious infantry unit" capable of operating with "distinct courage and singular expertise" in a context characterized by growing instability and intensifying fighting between the factions on the battlefield. "This is an important recognition that testifies to the commitment and spirit of sacrifice with which all personnel operated in Lebanon," said the regiment's commander, Colonel Andrea Pagliaroli .
In implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, despite the constant risk of direct and indirect attacks, the soldiers of the 151st Regiment ensured the continuity of operations and support for the local population.
The award also highlights the high sense of duty and spirit of sacrifice demonstrated by the "Sassarini," which have helped strengthen the prestige of Italy and the Italian Army internationally.
