1st Issue - West Wall Medal

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

Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen - 1st Issue. 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 Defense 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 of the badge is an integral loop and ring which holds 6 inches of original rayon ribbon. The award measures 1 5/8 inches high by 1 1/4 inches wide.