The Second Battle of Durazzo, or the Bombardment of Durazzo was a naval battle fought in the Adriatic Sea during the First World War. A large allied fleet led by the Regia Marina attacked the enemy-held port at Durazzo, Albania. The fleet destroyed the Austro-Hungarian shore defenses and skirmished with a small naval force. Allied forces involved primarily were Italian though British, American and Australian warships also participated. It was the largest naval battle the United States participated in during the war. Most of the city was destroyed in the bombardment.

Osvaldo Paladini was an Italian admiral who served in the Regia Marina from 1882 to 1930. He took part in the Italo-Turkish War, where he was commander of the Red Sea Naval Division, commanding the Piemonte during the Battle of Kunfuda Bay. For this he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Military Order of Savoy. Promoted to Rear-Admiral during the World War I, he first commanded the Battle Division, and in 1918 the 3rd Naval Squadron. On 2 October 1918, he was awarded the title of Commander of the Military Order of Savoy and the honor of Grand Officer of the Order of the Crown of Italy.