Domenico Millelire, First Gold Medal for Military Valour

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In February 1793, in a European context shaken by revolution and French expansionist ambitions, Sardinia also became a strategic target.

In an attempt to weaken the Kingdom’s resistance, a French fleet — among whose officers was the young Artillery Second Lieutenant Napoleon Bonaparte — set sail from Bonifacio.

On the main island of La Maddalena, the population was evacuated inland toward Palau. Around 500 Sardinian militiamen, mostly shepherds and local craftsmen, prepared for defence despite their inferiority in numbers and resources.

The situation was critical, and helmsman Domenico Millelire — the second of four brothers, all devoted to the Navy — aware that La Maddalena could not withstand a prolonged attack, took command of a small launch, struck a French frigate, and, in a bold move, transported a cannon to the Gallura coast, from where he opened fire on the French fleet. The attack inflicted heavy damage and forced the enemy ships to withdraw.

The commander of the expedition, General Colonna-Cesari, then gave the order to retreat. Bonaparte, however, attempted a final resistance and continued firing on the island, which responded with its few remaining rounds. At this point, Millelire took up his cannon again and, boarding a gunboat, set out in pursuit of the enemy fleet, driving it as far as the open waters off the coast of Corsica. The pressure exerted by the Sardinian forces forced the enemy to flee, bringing an end to the attempted invasion.

For his bravery in defending the island of La Maddalena and in recapturing Santo Stefano, Domenico Millelire was the first to be awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valour of the Kingdom of Sardinia, with the following citation:
“For having retaken from the enemy the island of Santo Stefano and for the valiant defence of the island of La Maddalena against the attacks of the naval squadron of the French Republic.”

Over the course of his career, he was also awarded the Silver Medal for Military Valour and the Knight’s Cross of the Military Order of Savoy.
He died in La Maddalena on 14 August 1827. His name remains today a symbol of heroism, determination, and loyalty to military duty.