World War II In Torricella

 

Torricella Peligna is a placid, quiet village high up in the hills facing the Maiella massif. Its inhabitants are known for their friendly and peaceful ways which reflect the characteristics of the “strong and gentle” Abruzzo. This strength was demonstrated during the Second World War, when the Germans made the town and its surroundings their headquarters in the battle against the Allies. In that period many atrocities were committed and many people from Torricella were barbarically killed. There are some links listed below for more details on this topic. Torricella Peligna was commended for the valor of its people in resisting the occupation of German and Fascist Forces. The Bronze Medal for Military Valor was presented to the citizens by the Minister of Defense on 30 March 1976, commending them for their resistance to the occupying forces, for their sacrifices and for the blood shed in their support of the “Maiella Patriots Group” ( Maiella Brigade). The Maiella Brigade was formed and commanded by Ettore Troilo, a lawyer from Torricella Peligna. Three hundred strong, it fought side by side with the Allies to expel the Germans from their land.

In addition to the atrocities perpetrated by the Germans, further destruction was caused by Allied bombing. Curtis P-40 airplanes of the 12th Air Force bombed and strafed German buildings, trucks, roads and targets from Torricella to Casoli.

MINISTRY OF DEFENSE
The President of the Republic with his decree dated 26 June 1975
 
Having seen the Royal Decree of 4 November 1932, number 1492 and subsequent amendments;
Having seen the Royal Decree of 23 October 1942, number 1195 and subsequent amendments;
Having seen the Lieutenant Legislative Decree of 21 August 1945, number 518;
Having seen the Law of 14 May 1965, number 502;
Having seen the Law of 11 May 1970, number 290;
On the proposal of the Minister for Defense;
granted the
 
to Military Valor to
 
Municipality of TORRICELLA PELIGNA (Chieti).
 
For over nine months he resisted the arrogance of the occupying German and fascist forces.
The entire population openly and validly supported the “Gruppo Patrioti della Maiella” formation and clearly refused the call to evacuate the town.
Sacrifices suffered, human lives barbarically cut short, deportations, harassment and destruction of every kind were not enough to break their resistance. In the partisan struggle its citizens were able to make a generous and effective contribution of fighters, blood and value to the cause of the freedom of the homeland.
Torricella Peligna area, September 1943 – June 1944.
The Minister for Defense therefore issues this document to certify the distinctive honorific conferred.
Rome on March 30, 1976
 
Registered at the Court of Auditors
on October 2, 1975
Register 19 Sheet 202
Published in the Official Bulletin 1976 provision 9 page 398

 

Links for additional information on Torricella in WWII:

La strage di Riga/Tre Confini – 11 gennaio 1944 – Antonio Piccoli e Guglielmo Coladonato (link)

Sessantacinque anni dalla battaglia di Pizzoferrato – Antonio Piccoli (link)

Sant’Agata Massacre – 65 Years Ago – Antonio Piccoli (link)

SIXTY-FIVE YEARS AGO in Torricella – A Horrific Tragedy – October 19, 1943 (link) (Italiano)

Testimony of Nicoletta Di Luzio (link)

Interview with Nicoletta Di Luzio Feb. 2002 (link)

I Miei Ricordi di Guerra – di Nicola Nicolo (link) 

My Memories of the War by Nicola Nicolò (link)
Brigata Maiella – Testimonianza di Antonio Manzi (link)

Brigata Maiella – Testimony of Antonio Manzi (link)

Brigata Maiella Documentary (link)

The Occupation of Torricella (L’Occupazione di Torricella) – Joseph Cionni (link)

Sulla Resistenza libri e tesi di laurea – 14 luglio 2008 (link)

L’Italia deve molto a Troilo – 14 luglio 2008 (link)

Torricella celebra Ettore Troilo – 13 luglio 2008(link)

Commemorazione della Brigata Maiella – 13 luglio 2008 (link)
Commemoration of the Maiella Brigade – July 13th 2008 (link)