Bidspirit auction | Third Reich Nazi Westwall Medal

Third Reich Nazi Westwall Medal - German WWII Westwall Medal (Schutzwallehrenzeichen) This oval medal, crafted in what appears to be a bronze-toned metal, was instituted in 1939 to recognize those who labored on the construction of the Westwall, the extensive line of fortifications built along Germany's western border facing France. The obverse combines a national eagle over a wreathed swastika with a crossed shovel and sword above a bunker motif, symbolizing the union of civilian labor and military defense, all bordered by an oak leaf wreath. The reverse carries the inscription ”FÜR ARBEIT ZUM SCHUTZE DEUTSCHLANDS, ” translating to ”For work in the protection of Germany, ” reflecting the medal's award to workers, engineers, and organizations such as the Reich Labor Service and Organisation Todt who contributed to the fortification effort. The Schutzwallehrenzeichen (Westwall Medal) was instituted by Hitler in August 1939 to honor those who built the Westwall, also known to the Allies as the Siegfried Line, a defensive belt of bunkers and fortifications facing France. Recipients included construction workers, engineers, members of the Reich Labor Service (RAD), and personnel of Organisation Todt, the state engineering group responsible for major military and infrastructure projects. The award recognized civilian and paramilitary labor contributions rather than combat service, reflecting the regime's emphasis on the fortification program in the lead-up to the Second World War.