Issue Packet - West Wall Medal by Carl Poellath

German WWII > Awards and Medals > Campaign Awards > West Wall Medals

1st Issue - Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen mit der Papiertüte by Carl Poellath of Schrobenhausen. Instituted August 2, 1939, the West Wall medal was awarded to those who designed, built, fortified or served at Germany’s western borders. The first issue was for those who were deployed for a minimum of 10-weeks between June 15, 1938, and August 31, 1939. By 1944 award conditions were expanded. The award is constructed out of a die struck tombak base that has been bronze washed. The oval shaped obverse features an embossed profile of a German National eagle, with out-stretched wings clutching a wreathed swastika in its talons, above a crossed spade shovel and broad sword, which is again above a bunker on a hill. This all lies on a smooth field and is surrounded by a laurel leaf wreath that is tied together at the top and bottom. The reverse depicts an embossed inscription reading: “Für Arbeit Zum Schutze Deutsch-lands” (For Work for the Protection of Defence of Germany) on a smooth field and is also surrounded by that same laurel leaf wreath that is tied together at the top and bottom. To the top is an integral loop and ring. Accompanying the award is 6 inches of orange and white rayon ribbon. The award measures 1 5/8 inches high by 1 1/4 inches wide. The award comes housed in its tan issue paper packet. The obverse reads “Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen” (West Wall Medal), in black Gothic style print. The reverse is maker marked and reads “Carl Poellath Schrobenhausen” in black Gothic print, surrounded in a thin rectangular border. It has a minor tear to the very bottom. It measures 2 5/16 inches wide by 4 1/16 inches tall.