The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Decorations · Wehrmacht awards

Eastern Front Medal: History, Grades and Collector’s Guide

Eastern Front Medal – example from the Autographs & Militaria collection
Example from the collection: Ostmedaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 – Original German Eastern Front Medal with Ribbon
Instituted 26 May 1942
Qualifying period 15 November 1941 to 15 April 1942
Criteria 14 days in combat (Luftwaffe: 30 sorties); a wound; frostbite; or 60 consecutive days of deployment
Awarded to Members of the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS
In the collection 1 piece currently available (see below)

The medal “Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42”, known to collectors as the Eastern Front Medal or Ostmedaille, commemorated the first winter of the war against the Soviet Union. It is a common award, but documented examples tell vivid stories.

What Was the Eastern Front Medal?

Hitler instituted the medal by decree on 26 May 1942. It covered service in the East between 15 November 1941 and 15 April 1942. According to the Deutsches Historisches Museum, it could be earned through at least 14 days of combat (30 sorties for the Luftwaffe), a wound, frostbite, or at least 60 consecutive days of deployment.

Who Awarded It, and Which Documents Go With It?

The award was recorded on printed documents and entered in the Wehrpass and Soldbuch. A medal with its document and service book is the ideal group. See award documents and Wehrpass.

What Should Collectors Watch For?

  • Medals alone are common; value lies in documentation.
  • Ribbon bars and packets are often added later.
  • Reproductions exist; check finish, weight and the ring.

Legal note. In Germany the 1957 Orders and Decorations Act allows Second World War awards to be worn only without National Socialist emblems, which is why “1957 pattern” versions without the swastika exist. The public display of Nazi symbols is restricted in Germany, Austria and several other countries. Owning, buying and selling original decorations as historical objects is treated differently from country to country, so check the law where you live and where you ship.

Collector’s Note

The Eastern Front Medal is a modest object for one of the harshest campaigns of the war. The paperwork that comes with it is what gives it meaning.

Related Entries and Pieces

Pieces in the Collection

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Eastern Front Medal instituted?

On 26 May 1942.

What period does it cover?

15 November 1941 to 15 April 1942.

Who could receive the Eastern Front Medal?

Members of the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS who met the criteria.

Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts of the National Socialist period for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology, and it is written in memory of the victims of the regime.

References & Further Reading