On September 23, 1943, in Torre di Palidoro, in the Roman countryside, Vice Brigadier Salvo D'Acquisto, Commander of the local Carabinieri Station of Torrimpietra, awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valor "in memoriam", sacrificed his life to save those of 22 local citizens.
The civilians, rounded up at random by the Nazis, would have been destined for certain execution if those responsible for the death of a German soldier, as well as the wounding of 2 others, following the explosion of a rudimentary hand grenade, handled carelessly during a check carried out by the Germans, had not been found.
The NCO, who had perfectly understood the spirit, the reasons and the ideals of his own uniform, aware of the accidental nature of the event and understood that nothing could be done to convince the Nazis of the truth, offered himself as martyr, aware that he was saving the innocent hostages, already forced to dig their own graves, from an unjust death.
It was 5.15pm on September 23rd when the Nazi officer gave the fatal order.
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During his address, the Supreme Pontiff reiterated his appreciation for the dedication of the Carabinieri in serving the community, reflecting that passion for good and spirit of sacrifice of which Salvo D'Acquisto remains a shining example. Today, on the occasion of his 80th anniversary, the Carabinieri commemorate his sacrifice.
In Naples, the city where the Hero was born on October 15, 1920, in the Basilica of Santa Chiara, Metropolitan Archbishop Domenico Battaglia celebrated Holy Mass in honor of the Fallen, with the participation of Mr. Alessandro D'Acquisto, brother of the Decorated One, a military representation of the Campania capital and the Fanfare of the 10th Carabinieri Regiment "Campania".
On this occasion, the Interregional Commander "Antonio de Vita", accompanied by the Commander of the "Campania" Legion, Antonio Jannece, and the Provincial Commander of Naples, Enrico Scandone, laid a cushion of flowers on the Hero's tomb and in front of the monument dedicated to him in Piazza Salvo D'Acquisto (Piazza Carità). Students from the "F. Morano" school in Caivano were also present at the ceremony.
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