Badoglio, Pietro

Badoglio, Pietro (1871-1956), Italian general and statesman, born in Grazzano Monferrato (now Grazzano Badoglio), and educated at the military academy in Turin. He participated in the Italian campaign in Tripoli during the Italo-Turkish War (1911-1912) and served in World War I. He was commander in chief of the Italian army during the invasion of Ethiopia (1935-1936), and in World War II he was chief of the general staff of the Italian army during the disastrous campaign in Greece (1939-1940). Following the downfall of Benito Mussolini in July 1943, Badoglio was appointed premier by King Victor Emmanuel III. In this capacity he signed the agreement, announced on September 8, 1943, by which Italy surrendered unconditionally to the Allies. Subsequently, his government declared war on Germany. He resigned the premiership in June 1944, and retired to the family estate at Grazzano Monferrato.