I am seeking information about, and, how to contact an Italian
fraternal or religious organization. It is (was) called "Capitolare
Militare Ordine della Croce Aurata di Cipro e Jerusalemme". I know it
was active in Rome in August, 1948 since this is when it inducted my
father-in-law as a member. It is (was) possibly related to the
Catholic Church. I believe this because the notice appointing my
father-in-law as a "COMMENDATORE DI GRAZIA MAGISTRALE" was written in
Latin on parchment.
A medal to be worn around the neck was part of the induction. This
medal was hung from a four and one-half centimeter wide silk ribbon.
The ribbon is predominately red with two blue stripes on either edge.
The medal is about 8 centimeters tall. At the top is a gold colored
crown with red enamel between the bars making the top frame of the
crown. Suspended from the crown is a gold colored sword with an "S"
entwined around the blade. The sword supports a large cross about five
centimeters in height and width. Each of the four arms of the cross
resembles an arrow or spear head. These are in red enamel. About half
way out from where the points of the four arms meet are small gold
colored crosses, one between each arm, linking the arms together.
The presentation box for the medal also contains a smaller medal of
the same design to be worn hanging from the breast pocket of a suit
coat. It also has a lapel pin of the same design. The presentation box
has what may be the name and address of the maker stamped on the silk
lining of the lid. This is L(?)Johnson, Galleria Plazza Colonne 12
Roma.
My father-in-law was living in Manila, Philippines at the time the
appointment was made. He was an Italian citizen who had been active in
the underground fighting the Japanese. As a result, after he was
betrayed, he and his wife spent the war in the Los Banos prison camp,
even though he was a citizen of one of the axis nations. He also
received a commendation from General McArthur for his work in
rebuilding the Port of Manila after liberation.
I would greatly appreciate any information about this organization. If
it is still active, I would like to know how to contact it. |
