The Medal of Military Valor was originally established as a Sardinian award. It is awarded to military personnel, units above the level of company, and civilians for exceptional valor in the face of the enemy.

The medal has three classes: The Gold Medal of Military Valor, established on 21 May 1793 by King Victor Amadeus III of Sardinia, the Silver Medal of Military Valor, established in 1833 by King Charles Albert of Sardinia and the Bronze Medal of Military Valor, established in 1887 by King Umberto I of Italy.

Here a variation of the type for French Troops in the War Against Austria 1859 in silver with original ribbon. The reverse has all information stamped into the medal: “Guerre D’Italie 1859” and “Magdeleine Brig. 2E Ch. D’AF”