Germany - Third Reich: Demjansk Shield, complete with Army issue field grey cloth backing, back plate, and all four backing prongs still present, with complete paper backing present this stamped H. & C..L for Hymmen & Co, Ludenscheid. A good example.
Condition: some minor corrosion to obverse, overall Good Very Fine
The Demjansk Shield was awarded to military personnel who fought in the Demyansk pocket in Russia in 1942. It was instituted on 25 April 1943 by Adolf Hitler. The award ceased to be presented on April 1 or July 4, 1944. Each recipient was entitled to five copies of the shield, and in case of death, a single shield and an entitlement certificate was presented to the next of kin. It is estimated that over 100,000 Demyansk shields were presented.
