Germany - Third Reich: Demjansk Shield, with Army issue field grey cloth backing, back plate, all of the four backing prongs being still present, and much of the overlaid paper backing.
Condition: overall Good Very Fine or better.
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.