"The exceptional service of these two generals underscores Italy's vital and leading role in NATO operations and in defending the Continent," said Adm. Stuart B. Munsch, Commander Allied Joint Force Command Naples. "The awarding of the Legion of Merit to both Lt. Gen. Iannucci and Lt. Gen Ristuccia recognises their outstanding service leading NATO forces in Iraq and Kosovo respectively and represents these Generals and Italy's on-going commitment to leadership, our Alliance and our enduring goal of lasting peace."
The exceptional service of these two generals underscores Italy's vital and leading role in NATO operations and in defending the Continent.
Admiral Stuart B. Munsch awarded the Legion of Merit to Lt Gen Giovanni Maria IannucciThe Legion of Merit (LOM) is a military award of the U.S. Armed Forces, given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. It is awarded for outstanding service, fidelity, and loyalty in either combat or non-combat positions. The decoration is awarded to members of the eight uniformed services of the United States as well as to military and political figures of foreign governments. The Legion of Merit is the only U.S. military decoration that has distinct ranks and is the first U.S. medal that has awarded to citizens of other nations.
“I am honored to receive this prestigious honor from Admiral Munsch”, said Lt Gen Iannucci. “I consider it a recognition of the work of all the men and women who serve our country every day inside and outside our national borders. I am grateful to them for what they do and how they do it. At the same time, I believe that today’s event demonstrates how deeply Italy and the United States of America are linked by a relationship of sincere friendship. He continued "With the USA, as with other Allied Countries, we form a community and our Armed Forces are united by the same ideals, by a common history and by the daily desire to reaffirm a pact of unity and mutual solidarity.”
Lt Gen Giovanni Maria Iannucci was appointed as Joint Operations Commander in Jan 25.
Previously, in 2012, he was appointed Head of the J3 Division (Operations) at the COVI. In the following years, General Iannucci continued to distinguish himself in various national and international assignments, including the role of Deputy Chief of Staff Operations at the International Security Assistance Force Command in Afghanistan (ISAF) and in 2015, he was the Commander of the 'Folgore' Paratroopers Brigade. His career reached a further pinnacle when he assumed the leadership of NATO Mission IRAQ in 2022. In 2023, he became Chief of Cabinet of the Minister of Defence, a role that testifies to the trust and recognition of his skills.
Admiral Stuart B. Munsch awarded the Legion of Merit to Lt Gen Angelo Michele Ristuccia
“I am truly proud to have received this recognition and to have represented Italy for such important mandate within NATO” General Ristuccia said “ I thank the United States and in particular Admiral Munsch for having awarded me with this prestigious recognition. I thank again the Italian Army for having nominated me in the past in the role of Commander of NATO Kosovo Force and our Minister of Defense for the trust placed in me”.
Lt Gen Angelo Michele Ristuccia became the Commander of Comando Forze Operative Sud (COMFOP - Southern Operational Forces Command) in April 24.
He previously served as: Chief of Staff at NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Italy (NRDC-ITA) from January 2019 to May 2020 and Commander of the “Vittorio Veneto" Division from May 2020 to October 2022, in which time, in addition to commanding the dependent Brigades, he oversaw the reorganisation process of the Command into NATO's Multinational Division South Headquarters. In operations abroad he held the positions of: Chief of Special Staff United Nations Interim Forces Lebanon (UNIFIL), from 13 August 2009 to 1 January 2010; Commander of the National Contingent in Erbil in Iraq (Op. Prima "Parthica"), from 20 May 2016 to 27 November 2016; Commander of NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR) in Kosovo, from 10 October 2022 to 10 October 2023.