Umberto Utili (1895–1952) was an Italian general known for his service with the Italian Co-belligerent Army in 1943–1945.
Utili took part in the Greco-Italian War and in the Russian Campaign. At the time of the Armistice of Cassibile on 8 September 1943 he was in Apulia, where on 9 September 1943 the 1st British Airborne Division landed. In January 1944 he was appointed command of the I Motorized Grouping the first large formation of the Italian Co-Belligerent Army, which was assigned to the British 8th Army. In March 1944 the grouping was expanded to the Italian Liberation Corps.[1]
After the successful participation in the Battle of Ancona in July 1944 the Italian government proposed to expand the Italian forces. The Allies accepted and on 24 September 1944 the Italian Liberation Corps was used to form the first division-sized combat groups.[2] After the war Utili commanded the III Territorial Defence Command in Milan.
He died in 1952 and was buried in the Mignano Monte Lungo Military Cemetery, where 975 Italian soldiers, who were killed fighting on the Allied side lie.[3]
Commands held by Utili:[4]
Knight of the Military Order of Italy
4 August 1942.[5]
Officer of the Military Order of Italy
26 October 1945.[6]
Legion of Merit rank commander
Bergamo dedicated a plaque to him in the Rocca (city castle).[7]