Italy, Republic. An Order of Merit, Grand Cross Breast Star by Johnson Auction all edged by red and

all edged by red and white twisted rayon waffenfarbe

which are topped by a length of silver aluminum wire piping secured in place with hand stitching

The eagle measures 35 mm (w) 30 mm (h)

as he was still too young for overseas service

France and Germany

Italy, Republic. An Order of Merit, Grand Cross Breast Star by Johnson Auction all edged by red and(Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana). Instituted in 1951. In silver gilt with white enamels, mounted to an eight pointed star base, each star point with five faceted rays, maker marked "S JOHNSON MILANO ROMA" on the reverse cartouche, marked 925 on 3 oclock arm, measuring 80. 45 mm (w) x 80. 55 mm (h), vertical pinback, intact enamels, extremely fine.