This is another documented medal awarded to Josef Wenger of FlakRegiment 46. At the time of the orders, dated 24 December, 1942, his rank was Private. The orders are signed for the commander by an Oberleutnant, First Lieutenant. This guy put his time in the German Army. Just as soon as I can the remaining documents translated I will post the last documents pertaining to him and summarize his service in the German Army during World War II. The Eastern Winter 1941/1942 Campaign Medal was instituted on 25 May, 1942. Hitler wanted to recognize the soldiers who fought in the first winter campaign in Russia between 15 November, 1941 and 15 April, 1942. The medal was designed by Ernst Kraus, an SS officer, and could be awarded to military and civilian personnel working for the Army. The criteria to qualify for the medal was the recipient had been engaged in combat for at least 2 weeks, spent at least 60 days in the operations area, inflicted a wound during the operation, was awarded the Wound Badge in Black for frostbite during the operation and for Luftwaffe personnel having flown at least 30 days above enemy territory. The medal was referred to as the "Frozen meat Order" because of the award criteria of frostbite. Since military and civilian personnel were eligible, the Eastern Front Medal was one of the most awarded German medals of World War II. The medal is made of burnt metal or zinc. It has a round shape with a diameter of 36mm. The concave side of the medal has a typical Wehrmacht eagle with folded wings with a swastika in it's talons. Behind the swastika is a branch of laurel leaves placed diagonally and only half visible. The convex side has the text "WINTERSCHLACHT IM OSTEN 1941/1942". Under the test is another branch of laurel leaves, crossed by a broad sword. The top of the medal is a German Army helmet on top of a stick grenade. The medal has a gunmetal appearance, with the outer rim of the medal and the helmet having silverwash applied. It is suspended by a red ribbon with a black stripe in the middle, flanked by a white stripe on either side. The red color represents the blood shed during the campaign. The white represents the snow while the black is for those who fell during the campaign. The ribbon is connected to the medal by a suspension ring. This ring has a maker mark of three, which represents the maker of Wilhelm Deumer. Though this medal was lower in precedence than of German awards, the Eastern Front Medal held much prestige for those who participated in that campaign. The ribbon is in very good condition. The medal holds it's original shape, but the silverwash is all but gone. However, this is another documented award, priced accordingly.

Item # AA761

(Sold)