Italy
Maresciallo Cesare Accomazzo
Year Gazetted | Decoration | Note |
1938 | Medaglia d’argento al valor militare (1st) | O.M.S. |
1942 | Medaglia d’argento al valor militare (2nd) | 1940-43 |
1938 | Croce di guerra al valor militare | O.M.S. |
Cesare Accomazzo was from Moncalvo Monserrato (Asti).
He served as a volunteer during the Spanish Civil War.
Maresciallo Accomazzo was decorated with his first Medaglia d’argento al valor militare (gazetted 1938) for his actions over Spain between 20 February and 11 August 1937:
"A volunteer in a combat mission for the affirmation of the Fascist ideal, he participated as a fighter pilot in 85 military actions, including long escort and reconnaissance flights deep into enemy territory and over particularly defended targets. In tactically inferior conditions, he engaged in combat against aircraft superior in number and technical characteristics, demonstrating a strong sense of duty, courage, and exceptional spirit of sacrifice."
Skies over Madrid, Guadalajara, Cordoba, Merida, Santander, 20 February – 11 August 1937-XV.
Maresciallo Accomazzo was decorated with de Croce di guerra al valor militare (gazetted 1938) for his actions over Santander between August and October 1937:
"A volunteer on a war mission for the affirmation of Fascist ideals, he participated as a fighter pilot in several escort missions and patrols, demonstrating excellent qualities as a combatant."
Skies over Santander, August - October 1937-XV.
In May 1941, Maresciallo Accomazzo served in the 95a Squadriglia, 18o Gruppo CT, in Libya. This unit was at the time equipped with the Fiat CR.42.
At 10:35 on 22 May, Maresciallo Accomazzo claimed a Blenheim over Benghazi.
This claim can’t be verified with RAF records.
Maresciallo Accomazzo was decorated with his second Medaglia d’argento al valor militare (gazetted 1942) for his actions between 11 June 1940 and 28 May 1941:
"A fighter pilot, he contributed to the destruction of numerous enemy aircraft during intense battles. In a subsequent cycle of operations, he played a key role in defending important military objectives. While on a reconnaissance flight, he attacked an enemy bombing formation, shooting down one aircraft and scattering the formation, thus preventing it from completing its mission."
Skies over the English Channel and North Africa, June 11, 1940-XVIII - May 28, 1941-XIX.
Accomazzo ended the war with 1 victory, this one claimed while flying the Fiat CR.42.
Claims:
Kill no. | Date | Time | Number | Type | Result | Plane type | Serial no. | Locality | Unit |
1941 | |||||||||
1 | 22/05/41 | 10:35 | 1 | Blenheim (a) | Destroyed | Fiat CR.42 | Benghazi | 95a Squadriglia |
Sources:
A History of the Mediterranean Air War 1940-1945: Volume One – Christopher Shores and Giovanni Massimello with Russell Guest, 2012 Grub Street, London, ISBN 978-1908117076
Elenco Nominativo dei Militari dell’ A. M. Decorati al V. M. Durante it Periodo 1929 - 1945 1 Volume A - L
Istituto del Nastro Azzurro