Salò commemorated Sergio Bresciani, known as the “Cucciolo della Leonessa,” in an emotional ceremony held on September 5, 2024, at the monument dedicated to him in the historic center. Bresciani, who died in 1942 at El Alamein at the age of 17 due to wounds sustained from a landmine explosion, is remembered as Italy’s youngest recipient of the Gold Medal for Military Valor.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from the municipal administration and numerous local associations, including Carabinieri, Alpine groups, and Bersaglieri. During the event, his story was recounted: having run away from home to enlist in the army at just 15 years old, Bresciani joined the 3rd Celere Regiment “Principe Amedeo duca d’Aosta,” thus becoming Italy’s youngest soldier. His memory continues to evoke deep emotion within the Salò community.
