Emilio De Bono Italian military leader Date of Birth: 19.03.1866 Country: Italy

1. Emilio De Bono - Italian Military Officer and Marshal of Italy
2. Rise in Fascist Power
3. Later Life and Death
4. Awards and Honors

Emilio De Bono - Italian Military Officer and Marshal of Italy

Emilio De Bono (March 19, 1866, Cassano d'Adda, near Milan - January 11, 1944, San Procolo) was an Italian military officer and Marshal of Italy (November 28, 1936). He participated in military actions in Eritrea (1887) and Libya (1911). During the First World War, he commanded the 15th Bersaglieri Regiment and later led the P Corps headquarters, commanded the "Trapani" and "Savona" brigades, the 38th Division (1916), and the IX Corps (1918). In 1919, he joined Benito Mussolini's "Veterans Union" and quickly took on leadership positions within it.

Rise in Fascist Power

In October 1922, De Bono was elected as one of the quadrumvirs and a member of the "Committee of Four" which was tasked with military leadership of the fascist squads. He was one of the main initiators and leaders of the "March on Rome". From November 11, 1922, to November 11, 1923, he served as the Director-General of Public Security.

From March 1, 1923, De Bono became a senator, and from November 11, 1923, to December 20, 1923, he held the position of General Superintendent of Police. He was then appointed as the head of the police on December 20, 1923, until June 18, 1924. In 1923, he joined the fascist militia and became the first commander.

From July 3, 1925, to December 18, 1928, De Bono served as the Governor-General of Tripolitania and the Commander of Colonial Troops in Tripolitania. From December 18, 1928, to September 12, 1929, he was the Deputy Minister of the Colonies. He became a state minister on July 22, 1928.

On September 12, 1929, De Bono became the Minister of the Colonies until January 17, 1935. From January 18, 1935, to November 27, 1935, he served as the Supreme Commissioner of Italian East Africa and Commander of the troops in East Africa. He led the military operations of the Italian army in Ethiopia, with four army corps under his command. Despite the overwhelming superiority in manpower and technology, he suffered defeat and was replaced by Pietro Badoglio.

From 1939 to 1940, De Bono served as the Inspector of Overseas Troops. In 1940-1941, he commanded the Army Group "South", which included the 3rd Army under General Cesare Geloso, two army corps, and the Albanian group.

Later Life and Death

Afterwards, De Bono remained only a member of the Grand Fascist Council. From 1943, he served as an inspector of foreign formations.

During a meeting of the Grand Fascist Council on July 25, 1943, he voted for the resignation of Mussolini. He was arrested by the Germans and sentenced to death during the trial in Verona. He was executed by a machine gun and his last words were "Viva l'Italia!" (Long live Italy!).

Awards and Honors

Emilio De Bono received numerous awards and honors throughout his military career, including:
- Knight of the Order of the Annunciation and Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (October 3, 1937)
- Knight Grand Cross of the Military Order of Savoy (June 19, 1936)
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown of Italy (September 14, 1920)
- Knight Grand Cross of the Colonial Order of the Star of Italy
- Grand Officer of the Order of the Military Crown of Savoy (August 10, 1928)
- Grand Officer of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (April 8, 1923)
- Grand Officer of the Order of the Crown of Italy (June 1, 1919)
- Commander of the Order of the Military Crown of Savoy (September 19, 1918)
- Commander of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (December 30, 1919)
- Commander of the Order of the Crown of Italy (September 13, 1918)
- Officer of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (January 12, 1919)
- Officer of the Order of the Crown of Italy (September 13, 1917)
- Knight of the Order of the Military Crown of Savoy (December 28, 1913)
- Knight of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (April 3, 1913)
- Knight of the Order of the Crown of Italy (November 7, 1907)