Germany - Third Reich: Eastern Front Winter War Medal 1941-1942 not ring stamped with short length of original ribbon and with paper issue packet marked for Metall & Kunststoff, Gablonz
Condition. Packet in fair condition, the award itself with some minor contact wear, Good Very Fine
The Eastern Front Medal was awarded to both combatant and non-combatant personnel who saw service on the German Eastern Front during the period 15 November 1941 to 15 April 1942. It was instituted on 26th May 1942 and is more commonly known as the Ostmedaille (East Medal). It was commissioned to recognise the hardship endured by German and Axis personnel, combatant or non-combatant, during the especially bitter Russian winter of 1941 and 1942. It was wryly called the Frozen Meat Medal. It was awarded to combatants for 14 days served in active combat within the specified area between 15th November 1941 and 15th April 1942, or to non-combatants for 60 days served in specified area between the dates given above, and also to all those wounded or killed in action, or to those injured by frostbite which was severe enough to warrant the award of a Wound Badge.
