Eastern Front Medal, Packet, Ribbon Bar & Award Document

German WWII > Awards and Medals > Campaign Awards > Eastern Front Medal

Verleihungsurkunde und Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 mit der Papiertüte und Kleine Ordensschnallen. Instituted May 6, 1942, the Winter Battle in the East 1941/42 medal was awarded to individuals who served on the German Eastern Front during November 15, 1941, to April 15, 1942. It is constructed out of a die struck zinc-alloy base that has been silver washed, blackened and lacquered. The round shaped obverse depicts the early national closed winged eagle clutching a stagnant swastika in its talons, in front of a laurel wreath branch and below an M35 pattern helmet and a model 24 grenade. The reverse reads: “Winterschlacht Im Ostem 1941/42” (Winter Battle in the East 1941/42), which is above a crossed sword and laurel leaf and berry branch and below that same helmet and grenade. To the top is an internal loop and unmarked ring. The award measures 1 7/16 inches wide by 1 3/4 inches tall. The award comes with 6 ½ inches of red, white and black rayon ribbon and its appropriate single ribbon bar. Accompanying these are its appropriate issue tan paper packet that has been folded and glued together. The obverse of the packet reads, in Gothic style black ink: “Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (Ostmedaille)”. The reverse reads “L/52” surrounded by a rectangular border and in Gothic style black ink: “C. F. Zimmermann Pforzheim” which is also surrounded by a rectangular border. It measures 2 5/16 inches wide by 4 1/8 inches tall. Accompanying the medal is the award document.

Verleihungsurkunde für die Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42. Constructed out of pressed paper with black ink that has been stamped and signed. The obverse features: “Im Namen des führers und Obersten Befehlshabers der Wehrmacht”, “ist dem”, “Rank, Name Regiment”, “am”, “13. August 1942”, “Die Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 (Ostmedaille) Verliehen Worden.”, a black Wehrmacht stamp, “Für Die Richtigkeit” along with a date, signature and rank. There is a horizontal fold crease. It measures 7 13/16 inches tall by 5 1/2 inches wide. I was told: “This is the exact award presented to the solider.”