1980
June 3rd, Martina Franca (TA)
Antonio Chionna, 49 years old, Corporal of the Carabinieri
On June 3, 1980, Corporal of the Carabinieri Antonio Chionna (at the age of 49) is killed while in uniform inside the branch of the Banca Commerciale Italiana in Martina Franca.
The military officer does not hesitate to intervene to thwart a robbery, and after a violent struggle, he is fatally shot by one of the three armed criminals who had broken into the bank. In court, responsibility for the murder is attributed to southern militants of the “Prima Linea” area who were trying to finance their underground activities.
The wave of arrests triggered by Roberto Sandalo’s confessions has indeed led to more repentances, causing the collapse of the entire logistical network, leaving dozens of fugitives in a condition of absolute precariousness, constantly moving on long-distance trains where they spend the night.
The corporal’s funeral sees massive popular participation.
On February 13, 1981, Antonio Chionna was posthumously awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valor.