Order of Merit of the Italian Republic Grand Officer’s Star and Button Hole Pin
Maker Gravazola of Rome
Date 1951-1963
Medium gilded silver, enameled metal
Dimensions Overall (7.6 cm x 7.6 cm)
Physical Description Grand Officer’s star, “Grande Ufficiale Dell ‘Ordine Al Merito della Repubblica Italiana’ “. Eight-point star overlaid by a white enamel cross with four eagles with wings spread between the arms of the cross. The Order of Merit is awarded for contributions to literature, the economy, public service, and social, philanthropic, and humanitarian activities, presented in a red case.
Historical Note
Awarded to John F. Kennedy by the Italian government in recognition of his efforts to change Immigration laws and obtain a peace treaty with Italy John F. Kennedy August 3, 1957.
