**Generale di Corpo d'Armata Luigi Gambelli. Regio Esercito.** 

Luigi Gambelli was born on August 5th, 1878, in Bologna, Italy. A career military officer, Gambelli commissioned into the infantry and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on September 22nd, 1905. His early career was defined by the colonial expansions of the Giolittian era, where he first proved his mettle under fire.

During the Italian-Turkish War, Luigi was assigned to the 79th Infantry Regiment. He distinguished himself numerous times against a superior enemy force during two major engagements during the conflict; Al-Kuwayfiya & “the Battle of Two Palms” (Fojat, Benghazi). Awarded the Silver Valor Medal for his actions, his citation reads:

"He commanded his company under fire with courage and daring, leading them into the assault and contributing effectively to the success of the combat at Due Palme. He also distinguished himself through his courage and composure during the action at Koefia."

\~ Koefia - November 28th, 1911. - Due Palme (Bengasi) March 12th, 1912.

In November 1912, Lieutenant Gambelli was sent back to Italy in order to resume his studies at the Army War School (staff college) in Turin.

Though out the First World War, Luigi Gambelli was assigned to the Chief of Staff at the command of the 6th Infantry Division, X Army Corps. In this position, Luigi received high honors and even a promotion from Major to Lieutenant Colonel for his extraordinary performance of his duties during the conflict. The following award citations are not listed in chronological order, they listed in the award order of precedence;

Military Order of Savoy (Knights Class) Citation:

"As Chief of Staff of an infantry division, he fulfilled his assigned duties in a masterly fashion over a long period, revealing exceptional qualities, a complete mastery of the requirements of modern warfare, and admirable courage, valor, and activity. His invaluable work culminated in the actions of November 1918, during which the division attacked and threw enemy troops into disarray until reaching the gates of liberated Trento."

\~ Giudicarie—Plateau of the Seven Communities—Val d’Astico, 1915–16–17; November 1918.

Bronze Valor Medal Citation:

"Upon receiving news of a fire that had broken out in an ammunition depot adjacent to a fort’s powder magazine, he entered the fort at great personal risk. Amidst a hail of shrapnel from exploding shells, he worked to isolate the fire and save the magazine."

\~ Rocca d’Anfo, June 13th-14th, 1917.

Valor Cross Citation:

"As Chief of Staff of an infantry division, during numerous reconnaissance missions beyond our lines, he displayed composure and valor while bringing back invaluable information."

\~ Val Giudicarie, June 1916–March 1918.

Leading up to the Second Italian-Ethiopian War, General Gambelli was the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Eritrea, stationed in the capital city, Asmara. From February 15th-May 27th, 1936; General Luigi Gambelli was made Deputy Commander of the 1st Infantry Division “Gavinana”, II Army Corps. In this capacity he lead the unit during the Second Battle of the Tembien; the destruction of Chief Mulugeta Yeggazu’s forces at Mai Nebri, then the pursuit of its remnant along the Tekezé River. 

Following his return from East Africa in late 1937, Major General Gambelli’s expertise in large-scale logistics and staff coordination was redirected toward the defense of the Italian mainland. In November 1937, he was appointed President of the Central Inter-Ministerial Committee on Air Defense. In this high-level role, Gambelli acted as the primary liaison between the military and civilian government, bridging the gap between the Ministry of War and the Ministry of the Interior. He was tasked with the strategic planning of national air raid protocols and the technical coordination of passive defense measures as the threat of a broader European conflict loomed.

In October 1941, Luigi Gambelli was appointed as the General Inspector of Air Protection. In this capacity, General Gambelli was the senior executive responsible for the physical readiness of the nation’s defenses. Luigi conducted high-level inspections across the Italian peninsula, from the industrial centers of the north to the strategic ports of the south. He was the primary authority ensuring that provincial prefects and local military commands were adhering to the strict "Prove di Oscuramento" (Blackout Trials) he had helped design.

As the war intensified, Gambelli reached the rank of Lieutenant General. he was named Chief of the National Union of Civilian Air Defense (UNPA). As Chief, Gambelli was responsible for the nation’s defense during the height of the Allied bombing campaigns. He oversaw the monumental task of coordinating lookouts, fire brigades, and medical mobilization, ensuring that the industrial and urban centers of Italy remained functional under the duress of modern aerial warfare.

Italian Army Corps General Luigi Gambelli.