Two Air Force Officers decorated by the President of the Republic
It President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, on the occasion of the 4 November, “National Unity and Armed Forces Day"”, celebrated Armed Forces Day in St Mark's Square, Venice.
After listening to the National Anthem, the Head of State, accompanied by the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff, inspected the formation.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Luciano Portolano, and the Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, spoke during the ceremony.
On this occasion, President Mattarella presented the OMI decorations to 6 Flags of the Armed Forces, including the War Flag of the 14th Air Force Wing, with the following motivation:
14th Wing – Knight of the Military Order of Italy
A prestigious Stormo (Wing) of the Air Force, with glorious traditions, employed in numerous operations in various crisis theatres in service to the international community, has operated with its aircraft as part of Operation Inherent Resolve (Kuwait), in direct support of counter-terrorism activities against Islamic terrorism, and NATO Air Policing on the European eastern flank, ensuring the defence of the airspace of allied countries. Furthermore, with its assets, it has ensured the evacuation of Italian personnel abroad from high-risk crisis zones, Sudan, Niger and Israel in 2023, and guaranteed the return of compatriots in bio-containment conditions from Sierra Leone due to Ebola infections. In every circumstance, the personnel of the 14th Wing have demonstrated valour, courage, patriotism, the highest professionalism, and an extraordinary spirit of sacrifice, achieving extraordinary results in safeguarding international stability, with unanimous appreciation from allies, thereby contributing to enhancing the lustre and prestige of Italy and its armed forces on the international stage. Skies of the Middle East, Africa, Europe 2014 – 2023.
On the afternoon of Thursday 31 October, the ceremony for the presentation of decorations of the Military Order of Italy was also held, in the presence of the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, to members of the Armed Forces who had particularly distinguished themselves during military operations. The honours were presented on the occasion of the National Unity Day and Armed Forces Day on 4 November.
Before the ceremony President Mattarella He met a delegation of Cadets from Military Training Institutes.
Following the intervention by Secretary of Defence Guido Crosetto, President Mattarella delivered a speech in which he wished to emphasise a heartfelt sentiment of recognition.
President Mattarella, assisted by the Minister of Defence, then presented decorations to members of the Armed Forces, including two officers of the Air Force whose citations are reported below:
Colonel Gianfranco Liccardo – Knight of the Military Order of Italy
Commander and aircraft leader, deployed outside national borders to participate in ISAF coalition support operations with flying activities in Afghanistan, he carried out numerous operational missions. In particular, thanks to his expertise and uncommon professional preparation, he managed, in a difficult operational context as the leader of a pair of aircraft on a night reconnaissance mission, a complex and very delicate mission in air support to a Norwegian convoy, which came under enemy fire, ensuring its safety. An officer of undisputed charisma, endowed with extremely high capabilities and a strong sense of responsibility, he ensured a decisive contribution to the coalition, helping to enhance the prestige and renown of Italy and its armed forces on the international stage. Afghanistan, 30 September 2009 – 3 December 2009
Colonel Eros Zaniboni – Knight of the Military Order of Italy
Commander of AIR Task Force (ATF) – 36th Wing, possessing exceptional military, professional, and human qualities, was deployed as part of Operation “Baltic Eagle” in Estonia, on a NATO air space surveillance mission. A determined leader with a strong sense of duty, on 16 April 2018, while on alert duty, he took to the skies following a rapid take-off order, to intercept and identify a possible real threat in the alliance's skies. He intervened promptly, with determination, expertise, and a sense of responsibility, reaching the area of interest within minutes, despite adverse weather conditions. Identifying a Russian Federation aircraft flying from Russia to Kaliningrad in violation of NATO airspace, he escorted it out of the area of responsibility, averting dangers to commercial air traffic as well. A clear and charismatic commanding figure, with exemplary commitment, he instilled in his men a great sense of duty and extremely high motivation, and through his actions, he contributed to enhancing the lustre and prestige of Italy and the Italian armed forces on the international stage. Amari (Estonia), January – May 2018.
