Official version by Mario Nelli - C. Rivalta 

The Medal was instituted on 19 January 1922 and awarded to combatants in the war of 1915 to 1918 since it was regarded as the final phase of the Risorgimento (the unification of Italy) begun in 1848. This scarce version was produced to acknowledge those killed in action and awarded to both their mothers and their widows.  A number of versions are known by different makers; this is the official version.