Description
German World War II Eastern Front Medal – Ostmedaille
(Medaille „Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42“)
An original German World War II Eastern Front Medal, commonly referred to as the Ostmedaille, awarded to Wehrmacht, Waffen-SS, and supporting personnel who participated in the harsh winter campaign on the Eastern Front between November 15, 1941, and April 15, 1942.
The medal is of zinc construction with a bronzed finish, featuring on the obverse a Wehrmacht-style German eagle and swastika, and crossed sword and laurel motifs, symbolizing both combat service and sacrifice. The reverse bears the inscription: “WINTERSCHLACHT IM OSTEN 1941/42” (“Winter Battle in the East 1941/42”).
This campaign award recognized the extreme hardships endured on the Eastern Front, including combat, frostbite, and severe winter conditions. Recipients of this medal are often referred to as having endured one of the most grueling theaters of the war.
The medal is typically worn suspended from its red, black, and white ribbon, and it remains a historically significant and highly collectible example of German WWII campaign awards.
