West Wall Medal in Issue Packet

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

Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen mit der Papiertüte. 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 bronze base that has been bronze washed and finished in a protective lacquer coating. The oval badge depicts an embossed profile of a national eagle, with out-stretched wings clutching a wreathed swastika in its talons, above a crossed spade shovel and broad sword, which is above a bunker on a hill. This all lies on a smooth background 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 background and is also surrounded by the same wreath. To the top of the badge is an integral loop and ring which holds approximately 7 1/4 inches orange and white rayon ribbon. The badge measures approximately 1 5/8 inches high by 1 1/4 inches wide. The badge comes housed in its appropriate issue packet. It reads, in black printed Gothic style ink: “Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen” to the obverse. The reverse maker mark has been cut out. The packet is well worn. It measures 2 ¼ inches wide by 4 1/8 inches tall. A nice one.