Marziale Cerutti

Generale di Brigata Aerea Marziale Cerutti began his military career in Field Artillery, but became a flying ace after his transfer to aviation service. He would be extensively decorated for valour and credited with 17 confirmed aerial victories. He would also remain in Italy's aviation branch after World War I, becoming an officer of increasing importance. He rose through the ranks between the World Wars to become a Wing Commander with the rank of colonnello. During World War II, he served as chief of staff in Italy's North African Headquarters before being placed in command of Italy's air transport command. When Italy declared its armistice on 9 September 1943, Cerutti chose to continue service to Benito Mussolini. This resulted in his suspension from military duties at the end of World War II. He died in a motorcycle accident on 26 May 1946 while awaiting a final determination of his military status.

Early life and ground service Marziale Cerutti was born in Brescia, the Kingdom of Italy on 10 March 1895. He was conscripted into the Italian Army's 25th Field Artillery Regiment as Italy slid into World War I. His appointment as a sottotenente came through on 23 March 1919.

As the Corpo Aeronautico Militare morphed into the Regia Aeronautica, Cerutti rose in rank and responsibilities. He commanded 6o Gruppo in 1931. By 1935, he was a Colonnello commanding 15o Stormo. The following year, he transferred to command 11o Stormo.

World War II At the start of World War II, Cerutti was posted to the Headquarters of the Italian Armed Forces in North Africa. On 28 June 1940, he witnessed the friendly fire death of Marshal Italo Balbo at Tobruk.

On 28 March 1941, he was promoted to the rank of Generale di Brigata Aerea. August 1941 saw him appointed as Chief of Staff of the Italian transport command, the Servizi Aerei Speciale. When the Regia Nautica'''s loyalties were split by the 8 September 1943 Armistice between Italy and Allied armed forces, General Marziale Cerutti plumped for Benito Mussolini's faction and joined the Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana. As a result of this decision, the end of World War II saw Cerutti removed from duty by the victorious Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force faction of the Regia Aeronautica. While awaiting a review of his military status, Generale di Brigata Aerea Marziale Cerutti went for a ride on his home-built motorcycle on 26 May 1946. He was killed in a traffic accident.