Eastern Front Medal & Ribbon "Unmarked"

“Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42” Medal

The Eastern Front Medal, officially named the “Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42,” was instituted on 26 May 1942 by the German Wehrmacht to recognize personnel who endured the first winter campaign on the Eastern Front during Operation Barbarossa (15 November 1941 – 15 April 1942). This award is one of the most well-known campaign medals of the period due to the extreme conditions faced by soldiers.

This description is provided strictly for historical and educational purposes, and the item is not intended to promote or endorse any ideology.

Award Eligibility:

• Soldiers who served 14+ days in combat on the Eastern Front
• Support personnel who served 60+ days in the operational zone
• Individuals wounded or suffering frostbite during the winter campaign
• Because of the severe cold and heavy losses, troops commonly referred to it as the “Frozen Meat Medal” (Gefrierfleischorden).
  
  

Design Features:

• Obverse: A German eagle positioned above a crossed sword and laurel branch
• Reverse: The inscription “Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42” with a sword and branch motif
• Material: Zinc core with silver wash (most surviving examples show finish wear typical of wartime production)
• Ribbon: Red with white-black-white edge stripes, symbolizing blood, snow, and winter conditions
  
  

A classic and sought-after campaign award, essential for collectors of WWII medals and Eastern Front militaria.