From a contact in Rimini, Italy, I’ve received word that a framed Alexander Certificate awarded to Glauco Cesaretti has come to light. 

In an attempt to learn who Glauco Cesaretti was and why he was recognized by Field-Marshal Alexander, the person who discovered the certificate found a reference to him in a book, Faetano 1944 Victoria Cross (2008, Giunta di Castello di Faetano, publisher). 

In fact, the Alexander Certificate itself appears in the book, where Glauco Cesaretti is credited with hiding two Scotsmen from the Germans. 

Contributor Daniele Cesaretti, in a chapter entitled “Other Battles in San Marino,” describes the September 1944 battle where Glauco Cesaretti fought:

“At noon the forward Cameron troops enter Borgo and house-to-house fighting develops. In the confused fight two Scotsmen are cornered in a house in which Marino Militiaman Glauco Cesaretti is present and who swiftly hides them in the basement, fooling the Germans. Later Pte Cesaretti will be awarded by Allied Officers a certificate signed by General Alexander.” (Cameron Highlanders were among the units fighting that day.)

In sharing the certificate, I’m pleased to honor Glauco Cesaretti for his heroic actions.

The certificate reads:

This certificate is awarded to Glauco Cesaretti as a token of gratitude for and appreciation of the help given to the Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen of the British Commonwealth of Nations, which enabled them to escape from, or evade capture by the enemy.

H.R. Alexander
Field-Marshall,
Supreme Allied Commander,
Mediterranean Theatre
1939–1945

Read additional posts about Italians who were recognized with Alexander Certificates: “A Heroine Recognized,” “A Reflection on Heroism and Humility,” “Antonio Zagnoli, The Airmen’s Guide,” “Recognition of Bastiano Crescenzi,” “Italian Helpers—Two Queries,” “Vaccarezza Family—P.G. 52 Escapees Protected,” “Interview with Gino Antognozzi, “Parisse Leoni—Italian Protector“