BACKGROUND: The Russian Front Medal was instituted by Adolf Hitler on May 26TH 1942 to commemorate the first winter campaign in Russia. The award was available to all Wehrmacht personnel, civilians and foreign volunteers who met the required criteria with the main qualification being at least fourteen days of participation in combat on the Russian front between November 15TH 1941 and April 15TH 1942 within preset geographical boundaries. The award was designed by SS-Scharführer Ernst Krause and was officially designated as Medaille Winterschlacht Im Osten 1941/42, (Medal {for} Winter Battle in the East 1941/42), but was commonly referred to as the "Frozen Fresh Medal". OKW, Oberkommando der Wehrmacht, (High Command of the Armed Forces), regulations of September 4TH 1944 discontinued the Russian Front Medal with the last award being bestowed on October 15TH 1944. Of Note: Generally the Russian Front Medal was only worn on the day of bestowal or on a medal bar for dress or ceremonial occasions resulting in the ribbon being worn on a day to day basis on the field blouse.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 36mm diameter, die struck alloy construction medal with a silver washed outer rim and helmet, and a blued center. The obverse of the medal features a recessed outer rim with an embossed helmet and stick grenade to the top center and a high relief Wehrmacht style national eagle with down swept wings, clutching a static swastika which is superimposed on a laurel leaf sprig to the center. The reverse of the medal features a recessed outer rim with a smooth background field with embossed Latin script to the center, "Winterschlacht Im Osten 1941/42", (Winter Battle in the East 1941/42), positioned above a crossed sword and a laurel leaf sprig. The silver wash to the recessed outer rim, helmet and grenade is retained about 70% but shows moderate age dulling giving it a flat appearance. The blued finish to the obverse and reverse centers is retained about 90%. The ribbon suspension ring and medal loop are both intact. The medal comes complete with a roughly, 30mm wide, 20cm long, piece of original ribbed rayon ribbon. The award also comes housed in its original, roughly, 10cm tall, 6cm wide, light weight, orangish/tan, cardstock issue envelope with black printed, block script to the obverse in four lines, "Medaille Winterschlacht Im Osten 1941/42 (Ostmedaille)". The envelope has a triangular top flap that fits into a horizontal slash on the reverse for secure closure. The reverse of the envelope also has black printed, Gothic scripted, manufacturers name and location, "B B Maner Dforaheim", within a rectangular border. The envelope is in overall good condition with light age and usage toning and some small wrinkles. Very nice matched set.
