Original German WWII Eastern Front Medal and Crimea Shield with Documents named to Gefreiter Otto Brecht Original Items

Original Items: One-of-a-kind grouping. This is a fantastic set, with two original German WWII combat awards, each with their original BESITTZZEUGNIS “possession/award” certificates. These were awarded to the same soldier, Otto Brecht, who held the rank of Gefreiter (Lance Corporal) on all both documents. The award documents are dated 1942 and 1943.

The awards earned by this soldier in date received are the Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 (Eastern Front Medal), and the Krimschild (Crimea Shield). Both of the awards are in good condition, with their original ribbons (if issued with them).

The Eastern Front metal document measures approximately, 8″ x 5.5″, (20cm x 14cm), and is printed on mid-weight paper with black print and typed in particulars. The Crimea Shield document is slightly larger, and is on very heavy paper. Both documents are dated, with their correct stamps and signatures.

The first document indicates that the Eastern Front Medal was awarded to Gefreiter Otto Brecht, and indicates that he qualified for the award on 23. 8. 1942. He is listed as being a member of the Stabskompanie / Grenadier-Regiment 213 (Headquarters Company 213th Grenadier Regiment). It was signed by the Oberleutnant and Company Chief.

The second document indicates that Brecht was awarded the Crimea Shield award in the field on 1.Nov. 1942. The document indicates that at this time he was in the Stabskomp. / Inf. Reg. 213 (Headquarters Company 213th Infantry Regiment). This is the same regiment as before, which was known by both designations.The award document was issued later on 25. Jan. 1943, and in this case bears the signature of Generalfeldmarschall Erich von Manstein!

Both documents are in good condition, with the expected wear and yellowing from age. They all show folding and light staining, as expected of documents of this age. Please consult the pictures for condition specifics.

A really nice German WWII award set, complete with the original documents named to the same soldier. Ready to display!

The Eastern Front Medal (German: Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42) was a World War II German military decoration awarded to both German and Axis personnel. It was awarded to those who served on the German Eastern Front during the winter campaign period of 15 November 1941 to 15 April 1942 It was instituted on 26 May 1942 and was commonly known as the Ostmedaille (East Medal) or Russian Front Medal.

The medal was wryly called the Frozen Meat Medal or the “Order of the Frozen Flesh” (German: Gefrierfleischorden) by Heer, Luftwaffe and Waffen-SS personnel to whom it was awarded.

Qualification
Armed service personnel qualified for the badge after a minimum of 14 days served in active combat; 30 combat sorties for Luftwaffe members; 60 days of continuous service in a combat zone; being wounded or suffering a “frozen limb”, severe enough to warrant the issue of a Wound Badge. The medal could be awarded posthumously.

The Crimea Shield (German: Krimschild or KRIM Shield) was a World War II German military decoration awarded to military personnel under the command of Generalfeldmarschall Erich von Manstein who fought against Soviet Red Army forces and captured the Crimea region (Krim in German) between 21 September 1941 and 4 July 1942. It was instituted on 25 July 1942. It was the most widely distributed of the various German shields with approximately 250,000 being awarded.

Design
The Wehrmacht’s Army Group South advanced through the Crimean peninsula between the Autumn of 1941 and Summer of 1942. To commemorate the hostilities that ended with the German capture of Sevastopol on 4 July 1942 the Crimea Shield was created for all members of the armed forces under area commander Field Marshal Erich von Manstein.

The shield is headed by the German eagle clutching a laurel wreath surrounding a swas. Flanking the eagle are the dates 1941 and 1942, which represent the start and end dates of the campaign. This sits on the backdrop of the Crimean peninsula, where the fighting took place, which has the word KRIM stamped across it.

Criteria for award
The Crimea Shield could be awarded to all members of the Wehrmacht and to Luftwaffe and other units affiliated to the campaign between 21 September 1941 and 4 July 1942. The following conditions needed to have been met for the award:
– Served in the area for at least 90 days; or
– Been wounded while serving in the area; or
– Had been engaged in at least one major operation against the enemy

Romanian troops serving in the Crimea were also eligible for the award.