A West Wall Medal

Hitler ordered that a medal be struck to recognize the planning and labor that went into the construction of the "Siegfried Line" during the period between 15 June 1938 and 31 March 1939. Medal was instituted on 2 August 1939,and was awarded to members of the Armed Forces, including civilian employees, who took part in the planning, construction, or or defense of, German fortifications. Medal was awarded up until 31 January 1941. Hitler reinstituted Defense Wall medal on 10 October 1944, as the threat of an Allied invasion grew, Hitler ordered the Channel defenses be completed and improved,some 200,000 laborers were put to work improving and strengthening the "Siegfried Line". Early strikes of this medal were made from solid bronze, 1944 reinstitution were made from zinc and colored with a bronze finish. This is a late zinc medal with its original envelope by Carl Poellath.