ANPDI, Foiano della Chiana honors Lt. Paratrooper Mario Viti, fallen at El Alamein

A significant ceremony was held at the monumental Cemetery of Foiano della Chiana (AR) in memory of the Bronze Medal for Military Valor (MBVM) Lieutenant Mario Viti, who fell at El Alamein. The initiative, promoted by the ANPd'I Section of Arezzo led by president cc. par. Giuliano Caroti, saw the enthusiastic participation of the Mayor of Foiano della Chiana, Dr. Jacopo Franci.

Tribute to memory and connection with El Alamein

The commemoration took place at the Viti Family tomb, where there is a sarcophagus dedicated to the Fallen: a sign of piety and memory that accompanies the official burial of Lieutenant Viti in the El Alamein Memorial. The Lieutenant's nephews, Mr. Mario Cherri and Mr. Pietro Baini, laid a wreath of laurel inside the crypt, later blessed by the Parish Priest of Foiano.

Authorities, banners, and speeches

The ceremony was attended by the Banner of the ANPd'I Section of Arezzo, the local ANC Section, the Parish Priest of Foiano della Chiana, the Secretary General of ANPd'I, Gen. B. (res.) Enrico Pollini, and numerous citizens of Foiano.

Brief speeches were given by president Giuliano Caroti, Gen. (res.) Enrico Pollini, Mayor Jacopo Franci, and nephew Mario Cherri, who displayed the original diploma of the MBVM award. The ceremony concluded with the recitation of the Paratrooper's Prayer.

Foiano della Chiana, land of decorated Paratroopers

Foiano della Chiana not only gave birth to MBVM Lt. Mario Viti, but also to MOVM Capt. Luigi Sartini, commander of the 1st Company of the 1st Libyan Paratrooper Battalion, who fell in combat in 1941. A legacy of service and sacrifice that the community continues to cherish.

The motivation for the MBVM

“Platoon machine gun commander, already distinguished for courage, during a hard attack conducted for several days by the enemy with infantry and tanks, took the initiative to command a sector closely pressed and left without officers, reorganizing the survivors and re-establishing an effective defensive line. While fiercely opposing the advancing enemy, he fell, mortally wounded”

Deir El Munassib 2/11/1942