Obverse: Royal arms of Sardinia, crowned, within a wreath of oak (right) and bulrush (left) tied with a bow. Legend: 'AL VALORE DEI MARINA'. Reverse: Within a wreath of oak, inscription incuse: 'SAMPSON SLADEN SCOTTOTENENTE DI VASCELLO R.N. Gibilterra 17 marko 1891'. This officer assisted in Italian survivors of the British S.S.'Utopia' lost in the Bay of Gibraltar in 1891. Fitted with a ring and bright blue watered silk ribbon. Instituted by King Charles of Sardinia.

Sir Sampson Sladen (1868-1940) Lieutenant Commander KBE, RN and Chief Officer of the London Fire Brigade. While serving as a lieutenant, Sladen was awarded this medal and a diploma by the Italian Government for helping to save life from the liner 'Utopia', wrecked in Gibraltar Harbour, by running across the bows of the ill-fated 'Camperdown',