West Wall Medal by L15

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

Here we have a Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen by Friedrich Orth, Wein! What Friedrich Orth that’s not right?! L15 is an LDO number. Nope not this one, Friedrich Orth made a factory error when the LDO #’s came into effect and used their Prasidialkanzlei with an L in front of it (no slash). I have owned/seen several of these (with their FO packet). See Dietriches KVK book page 151 for further explanation. This will be further explained further in an upcoming reference. The West Wall medal was awarded to those who designed, built, fortified or served at Germany’s western borders. It is constructed out of a die struck zinc base that has been bronze washed. The oval badge depicts 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 of the badge depicts an embossed inscription of “Für Arbeit Zum Schutze Deutschlands” (For Work for the Protection of Defense of Germany) on a smooth field and is also surrounded by the same wreath. To the top of the badge is an integral loop and ring that is maker marked “L/15” (Friedrich Orth , Wein) which holds approximately 4 ½ inches of POST-WAR orange and white rayon ribbon. The badge measures approximately 1 5/8 inches high by 1 1/4 inches wide. A neat factory error explained!