Bruno Brandellero was born in 1922 in Contrada Brandelleri, in Valli del Pasubio, to Emilio Brandellero and Angela Lissa Dal Prà. He grew up in a farming family and, from a young age, helped his father with agricultural work while also learning the trade of carpentry. Passionate about sports, he practiced boxing — an activity that strengthened both his body and his determination.
In 1942, he was drafted into the army and assigned to the medical corps at the military hospital in Monselice. After the armistice of September 8, 1943, he decided to abandon his uniform and join the Resistance in the Upper Vicenza area. Returning to his homeland, he joined the Sant’Antonio patrol in Valli del Pasubio, led by Domenico “Binda” Roso. Taking the nom de guerre “Ciccio,” he became part of the partisan formation Martiri di Val Leogra (“Martyrs of the Leogra Valley”), where he distinguished himself for his courage and initiative, eventually earning the rank of deputy patrol leader.
Bruno was strong, full of energy and enthusiasm, and soon became known for his bravery in several guerrilla actions. On June 3, 1944, he carried out a remarkable feat — capturing a German officer and his escort and handing over important military documents to the Allies. For this courageous act, Bruno received an official commendation.
Only a few days later, when German troops and their Ukrainian allies launched a large-scale roundup in the Leogra Valley, Bruno led a small group of partisans toward the Tretto Plateau.
On June 16, 1944, in Contrada Vallortigara, his men were ambushed and attacked by overwhelming Nazi-fascist forces. After a long firefight, Bruno found himself isolated. When the soldiers threatened to execute seventeen local civilians in retaliation, he made the selfless decision to surrender voluntarily, declaring himself the commander of the unit to save the lives of the villagers.
Captured, Bruno was taken to the Marano Vicentino prison, where he was tortured for nine days. Despite the brutality, he refused to betray his comrades or reveal any information about the Resistance network. On June 26, 1944, he was executed — forced by his captors to dig his own grave before being shot. Facing death with dignity and defiance, Bruno shouted his final words:
“Viva l’Italia!” (“Long live Italy!”)
For his heroism and supreme self-sacrifice, Bruno Brandellero was posthumously awarded the Gold Medal of Military Valor, with the citation honoring “his generous impulse and unwavering dignity up to the ultimate sacrifice, to save the civilian population and the freedom of his homeland.”
Bruno Brandellero chose to give his life to save seventeen innocent civilians. His act of absolute altruism and loyalty to the human and civic values of the Italian Resistance made him a symbol of those who choose to protect others even in the face of violence and death.
After the war, the Vicenza community honored his memory: streets, plaques, and monuments were dedicated to him in Valli del Pasubio, Schio, Torrebelvicino, and Malo. In Contrada Vallortigara, a memorial plaque still marks the site of his execution, where a commemorative ceremony is held every year to remember his sacrifice.
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