Monte Cassino 45th Anniversary Medal
A striking Monte Cassino 45th Anniversary Medal, issued to commemorate forty-five years since the liberation of Monte Cassino and the end of the bitter Gustav Line battles in 1944. Produced for the major anniversary events held in 1989, the medal was presented to veterans who returned for the commemoration, most notably former members of the British and Polish forces who had taken part in the gruelling fighting for the abbey and the Liri Valley.
Well struck in base metal with an antique bronze finish, the medal features an evocative depiction of the shattered abbey on the obverse, a powerful reminder of the destruction and sacrifice associated with the campaign. The reverse carries inscriptions marking the 45th anniversary of the battle. It is fitted with its correct ribbon of green, white and red, echoing the national colours of Italy and reflecting the campaign’s setting.
Although a privately issued commemorative rather than an official state decoration, the medal has become highly collectable for its strong association with veterans of the Italian campaign. Many British and Polish survivors wore these medals proudly at reunions and memorial services, recognising the shared sacrifice of the multinational forces who fought through the winter mountains, river crossings and fortified heights of Cassino.
A clean, appealing example of this popular veteran’s medal, ideal for collectors of Italian campaign material or Monte Cassino commemorative awards.
AJMS Medals