THE FALLEN SOLDIERS (Panel 14)

Pasquale BACCARO Corporal 186th regiment par. " FOLGORE "

A conscript paratrooper, part of the Italian contingent sent to Somalia as part of the humanitarian operation commissioned by the United Nations, he participated with the 183rd "Nembo" parachute regiment in the roundup of a district of Mogadishu. During the subsequent fights, treacherously provoked by Somali militiamen, while carrying out aimed fire from an armored vehicle in support of the action carried out by his team, he was framed by sniper fire but, imperturbable, continued in the action. Seriously injured following the explosion of an anti-tank rocket, which had hit the armored vehicle on which he was operating, he maintained, despite the traumatic amputation of a lower limb, a steadfast spirit and serene spirit, allowing the other paratroopers to continue to operate with unchanged determination. Rescued and transported to a health facility, he did not survive due to the very serious lacerations suffered. Thus he sacrificed his young life in the fulfillment of his duty for the ideal of peace and solidarity among peoples. The purest figure of a man and a fighter, a shining example of absolute dedication to duty and of selected military virtues sublimated by the supreme sacrifice".

Andrea MILLLEVOI, Second Lieutenant "Lancers of Montebello" Regiment (8th)

Commander of the "Centauro" heavy armored platoon, part of the Italian contingent sent to Somalia as part of the humanitarian operation commissioned by the United Nations, he participated with the 183rd "Nembo" parachute regiment in the roundup of a neighborhood in Mogadishu. During the subsequent battles, treacherously provoked by Somali militiamen, with skill and intelligence he competed with the forces under his command to rescue some infantry combat vehicles trapped in the town. After having escorted a vehicle used for the evacuation of some wounded soldiers, he returned to the combat area and, regardless of the incessant enemy fire, coordinated the action of his men and personally countered the enemy attack with the light weapons on board . To make his fire action more effective, he leaned out with his entire torso out of the vehicle, exposing himself to the shot of a sniper who fatally hit him. He fell with weapons in hand offering a very clear example of courage, determination, absolute disregard of danger and a very high sense of duty sublimated by the supreme sacrifice.

Stefano PAOLICCHI, Sergeant Major 9th parachute assault regiment "COL MOSCHIN

"Special Force paratrooper, part of the Italian contingent sent to Somalia as part of the humanitarian operation commissioned by the United Nations, participated with his operational detachment in the roundup of a district of Mogadishu. During the subsequent fighting, treacherously provoked by Somali militiamen, he did not hesitate to face with lucid determination by his initiative a machine gun emplacement which was firing on a column of Italian vehicles. Regardless of his own safety, with great courage and marked operational skill he carried himself to assault distance, neutralized shooters who barred his road, and during the last rush, was hit by a burst in the chest. Despite the wound, with a last extreme effort he managed to throw a grenade on the machine gun position forcing it to silence. Though aware of the seriousness of his condition, he continued to incite his men, losing consciousness in a vain attempt to get up to continue the action. Rescued and evicted, he died in the Mogadishu hospital. Shining example of high military virtues, indomitable valor, generosity and daring sublimated by the supreme sacrifice".