Hi everyone! So I wasn't sure where else to ask this question and get some good information for my specific ancestor, but I found this subreddit and figured i'd give it a shot.

So my question is in regards to my great grandfather Alessandro who fought in WWI for Italy. I don't know anything about his service or how I can find out information regarding his regiment, or even what his military uniform signifies. I have a picture of him around 1924 in Italy and he is wearing his uniform. He is on the far right and is with his brother-in-law (left) and his daughter (middle). I'll include the photo here. He was born and raised in Roccabascerana in Campania (just for some background information which could be useful). I'm in the process of trying to work with someone in getting his military documents from the Italian Archives. So hopefully that will prove successful, but it's not been easy.

Also, as the family story goes, he received a purple heart or some medal for his service. I'm not at all familiar with how he would have received that award and if there is any way I can access more details on this. Unfortunately his award was held on to by a family member that is no longer living and we don't have any idea where it is now. (EDIT: I cannot know for sure if this was an actual purple heart. He did receive a war medal though that the family can confirm he had, whatever that was. Is it possible for purple hearts to be awarded to non US Army members?)

I'm sorry that I can't provide a lot of information, my grandmother is the only one I can speak to that is aware of this information and she doesn't even know that much. I'm hoping the photograph provides the clues needed to at least jump start me on my journey. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!