Salvo D’Acquisto, born in Naples on October 17, 1920, was the eldest of five children and grew up in a virtuous family environment. From an early age, he was influenced by the Salesian spirit, attending kindergarten run by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Naples-Vomero. He later enrolled in the Salesian Institute of the same neighborhood, completing fourth grade and, in 1933-34, the first year of secondary school.
A generous and thoughtful young man, Salvo was shaped by a strong family education centered on hard work and honesty. This upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility, both at home and in school. By the age of 14, he was described as "reserved, prudent, and reflective." His formation within his family and the Salesian environment would later be reinforced by his service in the Carabinieri (Italian Military Police), molding his character for the ultimate sacrifice he would make.
At 18, he joined the Carabinieri. Between 1940 and 1942, he was deployed to Libya, where he openly displayed his moral convictions, making the sign of the cross in public and reciting the Rosary. As a vice brigadier, he was later assigned to the station in Torrimpietra (Fiumacino, Rome).
Following the Italian armistice on September 8, 1943, in a period of great confusion amid battles near Rome, an SS unit took refuge in an abandoned former Guardia di Finanza (Italian Financial Military Police) barracks near the Tower of Palidoro, within the jurisdiction of the Carabinieri station in Torrimpietra.
On the evening of September 22, 1943, during an ill-advised inspection of abandoned ammunition crates in the barracks, a group of German soldiers was caught in an explosion, resulting in casualties. The following morning, the German commander, seeking retribution, visited the Carabinieri station demanding answers.
With his commander absent, Salvo D’Acquisto attempted to explain that the explosion was an accident, but the German officer refused to believe him, treating the event as an act of sabotage. As a result, 22 innocent townspeople from Torrimpietra were rounded up, transported to the base of the Tower of Palidoro, and forced to dig their own mass grave, preparing for execution.
As the execution was about to proceed, Salvo D’Acquisto negotiated with the German officer. Shortly after, all 22 captives were released—except for him. In an extraordinary act of self-sacrifice, he falsely confessed to being solely responsible for the incident, offering his life in exchange for the freedom of the others.
The 23-year-old Carabinieri officer was immediately executed, while the hostages were spared.
The decree recognizing his sacrifice acknowledges that his act was not merely "a simple act of civic solidarity or secular philanthropy" but rather an integral part of "a consciously and consistently Christian way of life."
