The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Decorations · Commemorative awards

West Wall Medal: History, Grades and Collector’s Guide

West Wall Medal – example from the Autographs & Militaria collection
Example from the collection: German West Wall Medal 1939 – Original Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen with Ribbon
Instituted 2 August 1939
Awarded to Those who designed and built the West Wall (Siegfried Line), and troops who served there before May 1940
Revived 1944, for those who fortified the western borders
Number awarded 622,064 by the end of the war
In the collection 1 piece currently available (see below)

The West Wall Medal (Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen) rewarded the hundreds of thousands of workers and soldiers who built and garrisoned Germany’s western fortifications. It is common, but it is also one of the few awards that recognised civilian labour on a vast scale.

What Was the West Wall Medal?

The medal was instituted on 2 August 1939 for those who had designed and built the fortifications on the western border and for troops who served there before May 1940. In 1944, as an Allied invasion approached, it was awarded again to those who fortified the western borders. The reverse reads “Für Arbeit zum Schutze Deutschlands”. According to the Heinz History Center, 622,064 were awarded by the end of the war.

Who Awarded It, and Which Documents Go With It?

Award certificates were issued to workers of the Organisation Todt and other bodies as well as to soldiers. See award documents and Fritz Todt.

What Should Collectors Watch For?

  • Medals alone are very common; documented groups are more interesting.
  • 1944 awards can be identified from the document date.
  • Finish varies between makers.

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 West Wall Medal is a reminder that the war was also built by labour, much of it later forced. The document tells you which kind of service it records.

Related Entries and Pieces

Pieces in the Collection

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was the West Wall Medal instituted?

On 2 August 1939.

How many were awarded?

622,064, according to the Heinz History Center.

Was it awarded again later in the war?

Yes, in 1944, to those who fortified the western borders.

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