West Wall Medal by in Packet

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

The West Wall medal was awarded to those who designed, built, fortified or served at Germany's western borders. The award is constructed out of a die struck zinc-alloy base that has been bronze washed. Most of the bronze has been absorbed. 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 Deutsch-lands" (For Work for the Protection of Defense of Germany) on a smooth field and is also surrounded by the same laurel leaf wreath that is tied together at the top and bottom. To the top of the badge is an integral loop and unmarked ring. The award measures approximately 1 5/8 inches high by 1 1/4 inches wide. Included with the award is approximately 7 inches of original orange and white rayon ribbon. This all comes housed in a tan packet. The obverse has a separately applied "Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen", in black print. The reverse is maker marked and reads "Friedrich Orth Wien 56" it is all in black print, surrounded in a thin rectangular border. No rips or tears. It measures approximately 2 5/16 inches wide by 4 1/8 inches tall.