Italy, Republic. An Order of Merit, Grand Cross Breast Star by Johnson visually-hidden stating "Deeply regret to inform

stating "Deeply regret to inform you that your son Private John J Creech Jr USMC was Killed in Action at Tarawa instead of Missing in Action as previously reported

which was attached to No

Dillon was in combat again and for a second time

on a maroon wool upper

white metal and enamels

Italy, Republic. An Order of Merit, Grand Cross Breast Star by Johnson visually-hidden stating "Deeply regret to inform(Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana). Instituted in 1951. In silver gilt with white enamels, mounted to an eight pointed star base, each star point with five faceted rays, maker marked "S JOHNSON MILANO ROMA" on the reverse cartouche, marked 925 on 3 oclock arm, measuring 80. 45 mm (w) x 80. 55 mm (h), vertical pinback, intact enamels, extremely fine.