The 185th RRAO Regiment "Folgore" Receives the Historical Standard of Squadron F

At the “Pisacane” barracks in Livorno, a ceremony full of historical significance was held for the 185th Target Acquisition Regiment (RRAO) "Folgore". Colonel Marco Margutti, Commander of the 185th RRAO, a unit integrated into the special forces since 2018, received the historical standard of the Reconnaissance Squadron “F”, a symbol of the courage and sacrifice of Italian Paratroopers during the Italian campaign of 1943-1945.

The delivery of the standard, kept since the post-war period at the Museum of Airborne Troops of the CAPAR (Parachuting Training Center) in Pisa, took place in the presence of high civil and military authorities, including the President of the Senate Ignazio La Russa and the Chief of Staff of the Army, General of the Army Corps Carmine Masiello.

From Past to Present

Squadron F, commanded by Captain Carlo Francesco Gay, distinguished itself during World War II in numerous reconnaissance and combat operations, culminating in the success of Operation “Herring” in the Po Valley, on April 23, 1945. The standard, created by the men of the Squadron, bears the locations of the main war actions and represents a tribute to the paratroopers who sacrificed themselves for Italy's freedom.

In his speech, Colonel Margutti emphasized the profound historical and emotional value of the standard:

“This banner embodies essential values of sacrifice, courage, loyalty, love of country, and memory. It is a symbol that will continue to inspire new generations of paratroopers.”

The Colonel also remembered Sergeant Major Vincenzo Aiello, who fell in an accident during training on October 23, 2024, dedicating a moment of reflection to him.

The Historical Value of the Standard

The standard of Squadron F is not just a symbol, but a witness to Italian military history. Among the recognitions displayed on the banner, numerous honors awarded to the Paratroopers of the Squadron stand out, such as 3 Gold Medals for Military Valor, 100 Silver Medals for Military Valor, 25 Bronze Medals for Military Valor, 66 War Crosses for Military Valor, and 4 Promotions for War Merits. These recognitions, documented in the Gay family archives, include the MOVM awarded to Second Lieutenant Eldo Capanna, Sergeant Major Otello Boccherini, and Paratrooper Amelio De Iuliis.

The Ceremony: A Bridge Between Past and Future

The ceremony concluded with the signing of the Honor Book by the President of the Senate Ignazio La Russa, who then visited the “Memory Room” of the 185th RRAO. The newly received standard will be kept in this room along with other memorabilia that testify to the evolution and historical deeds of the Italian paratroopers.

The 185th RRAO thus confirms itself as the natural heir of Squadron F, integrating its values and traditions. This union between past and present reaffirms the importance of historical memory as a guide for the future of the Paratroopers and Italian special forces.