On Thursday 29th April, the presentation by the Logistic Commander at the 3rd AM Engineer Department of Bari Palese. In addition to the Logistic Commander, who on the occasion thanked all the personnel of the 3rd AM Engineer Department for the high professionalism and commitment shown on multiple occasions in carrying out their work, the Head of Infrastructure Services, Inspector General Marcello Di Lauro, the Chief of Staff of the AM Schools Command/3rd Air Region, Air Brigade General Vitantonio Cormio, the Commanders of the Bodies present at Palese airport and the family members of Major Marra also attended.
The citation for the award reads as follows: “An officer who, whilst serving between 19 December 2006 and 30 April 2007, with the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan as ’Director of Engineering Works and Head of Implementation‘ for the Italian Air Force, demonstrated personal and military qualities that stood out markedly within his unit, He carried out this difficult task with unconditional dedication and a very high sense of duty, exercising authoritative and effective leadership, demonstrating firm determination, quick thinking and a very high degree of decision-making autonomy. In an operational context where the risk to personal safety was very real and environmental conditions were extremely harsh, he managed the personnel and resources at his disposal with prudence and diligence, brilliantly directing and completing all assigned tasks, adapting promptly to every change in requirements, sparing no personal effort and earning the praise of civil and military authorities, both national and international, in every circumstance. In the space of just a few months, he oversaw the expansion of the ’Camp Arena‘ with great competence and enlightened foresight, increasing the facility’s total capacity from 600 to over 1,200 personnel and transforming the field installations into highly functional permanent structures to support operational units. During the same period, he promptly implemented all the necessary logistical arrangements to enable the redeployment of new strategic assets, such as the Italian Air Force’s unmanned aerial vehicle system, the A129 helicopters and the Italian Army’s VCC-80 Dardo armoured combat vehicles. In planning, in the supervision of works and in his dealings with superiors, he always acted with humility, practicality, generosity and respect for the chain of command, proving himself an unrivalled adviser and a man of absolute loyalty. Upon learning of personal matters that would have required his presence at home, he prioritised institutional interests over his own, resolutely assuming all the responsibilities arising from his important role, even at a personal cost. The Italian Armed Forces, the Western Regional Command and the contingents from other nations found in him a man of clear principles and outstanding calibre; his abilities and the commendable work he carried out made him an example to his colleagues and worthy of recognition by the highest authorities.’ – Herat (Afghanistan), 19 December 2006 – 30 April 2007.
