Deutsches Schutzwallehrenzeichen

The Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen (German Schutzwall Honor Medal), better known as the Westwall Medal, was a German civilian and military award established during World War II. The medal was instituted by Adolf Hitler on August 2, 1939, to honor personnel involved in the planning, construction, and subsequent strengthening of the German fortifications along the western border, the so-called Westwall (often called the Siegfried Line by the Allies).
Introduced: August 2, 1939. Award criteria (first version): For military and civilian personnel who assisted in the design, construction, or service at the fortifications between June 15, 1938, and March 31, 1939. This was later extended to Wehrmacht soldiers who had served for at least ten weeks. Number awarded: Approximately 622,064 medals were awarded by January 31, 1941. After the Allied invasion in 1944, the medal was reinstated for those who participated in repairing and strengthening the defenses. This later version was often called the "Defense Wall Honor Award" to distinguish it from the original from 1939. The medal is oval-shaped and made of bronze (later versions were galvanized metal). The obverse depicts a pillbox, a crossed shovel and sword, and the German eagle. The reverse bears the inscription "Für Arbeit zum Schutze Deutschlands" (For Work in Defense of Germany). The ribbon is gold-brown with a white stripe on either side. The medal is a historical artifact related to Nazi Germany's military history and the country's defense efforts.

This item:
Complete with long ribbon and envelope. Maker mark is cut out of the envelope. Good condition