DIAZ, ARMANDO (1861-1928), Italian marshal, was born in Naples on Dec. 6, 1861. He served in the Italo-Turkish War, and in 1914 was promoted to major-general. On Italy's entry into the World War he was director of military operations, and in 1916 became lieutenant-general in command of the 49th Division. In 1917 he was put in command of the XXIII. Corps and saw much hard fighting on the Carso. In Nov. 1917, after Caporetto, Diaz succeeded Cadorna as chief of the general staff. Under him the battle front was successfully reconstituted, and the Austrian armies were destroyed at Vittorio Veneto (Oct.–Nov. 1918). Diaz had proved himself not only a great commander in the field, but an organizer who saw that the army was well provided. After the signature of the Armistice he became inspector-general of the army. He received many honours, Italian and foreign, and in 1921 was created Duca della Vittoria. On the advent of the Fascist Government he was appointed minister of war, and held that appointment until ill health obliged him to resign in April 1924. On Nov. 4, 1924, the newly created rank of marshal was conferred on him. He died on Feb. 29, 1928, at Milan.