Italy, Republic. An Order of Merit, Grand Cross Breast Star by Johnson visually-hidden Dillon was in combat again

Dillon was in combat again and for a second time

measuring 41 mm (w) x 40 mm (h)

along with being stamped "43" above "8429" in black ink opposite the eagle insignia with "Wa

remaining in service following Austria’s absorption into Germany and seeing postings to the Sudetenland and Krakow through the first half of the Second World War

posing for a photograph standing in the snow

Italy, Republic. An Order of Merit, Grand Cross Breast Star by Johnson visually-hidden Dillon was in combat again(Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana). Instituted in 1951. In silver gilt with white enamels, mounted to an eight pointed star base, each star point with five faceted rays, maker marked "S JOHNSON MILANO ROMA" on the reverse cartouche, marked 925 on 3 oclock arm, measuring 80. 45 mm (w) x 80. 55 mm (h), vertical pinback, intact enamels, extremely fine.