Nazi Eastern Medal ‘Winter Battle in the East’ 1941–42 Medal and Ribbon. M 138. Nazi Eastern Medal ‘Winter Battle in the East’ 1941–42 Medal and Ribbon. M 138. Antique & Militaria

(Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42), was a military award of the Wehrmacht which was created by ordinance of Adolf Hitler on 26 May 1942. The Eastern Medal was awarded to any member of the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS who served on the German Eastern Front during the winter campaign, within the period from 15 November 1941 to 15 April 1942. It was also awarded posthumously to any service member who died in the line of duty within the Soviet Union. It was wryly called the Frozen Meat Medal or the "Order of the Frozen Flesh". Wehrmacht personnel qualified for the Eastern Medal after a minimum of 14 days in active combat; 30 air combat sorties; 60 days continuous of service in a combat zone; being wounded or suffering a "frozen limb", severe enough to warrant the issue of a Wound Badge, and it could be awarded posthumously. See pages 84-85 of Combat Medals of the Third Reich by Christopher Ailsby for reference. In very nice condition, the price includes UK delivery. M 138.