Czechoslovakia (1918-1948)
Decoration 1918-1948 Commemorative Medal of 33rd Infantry Regiment "Doss Alto"
Starting price
1 600 €
Nominal
Order
Lot number
480
Category
Orders, Decorations and Badges
Subcategory
Orders and Decorations
Classification
Czechoslovakia (1918-1948)
Auction number
28
Rarity
RR
Condition obverse
UNC
Condition reverse
UNC
Note
Its origin is somewhat mysterious and its history not fully mapped. It is the most expensive medal and therefore perhaps the rarest from a collector's point of view. The medal was established in 1948. We do not know exactly who organised this event and when, but it is believed that a committee was formed to provide information, addresses and essentials for the later distribution of the medal. It is likely that this "collecting" activity was unacceptable to the state security forces, and so this medal did not reach the Italian Legionnaires, or it did, but only in a few pieces. This piece was awarded and the medal includes the enclosed decree. In the battle of Doss Alto 7 Czechoslovak legionaries died, 31 were wounded and 4 fell into Austrian captivity and were later hanged in Arco. The Austrians had 51 dead, 90 wounded and 60 captured. The Czechoslovak Legionnaires used to say "Ten of theirs for every one of ours." At the top of Doss Alto, they proved that they meant it.
