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How to Identify German WW II Medals

The German Military in World War II was a dominant fighting force, as evidenced by their conquest of numerous European countries during the rein of Adolph Hitler. As with any military fighting force, German soldiers were awarded medals for their service in battle. These medals were not unlike the U.S. Military's medals for service in battle, but are found to be a unique item by Military memorabilia collectors. Many medals were destroyed after the war, though many escaped destruction and have found their way into the hands of collectors. Identifying German WW II medals is not hard to do once you learn how to recognize the German medals' colors and insignias.

Instructions

- 1
  Identify the ribbon used for securing the medal. The German flag colors were generally used for the ribbons on German WW II medals, and appear in different variations of black, red and yellow.
- 2
  Notice the Swastika insignia on the medals. The Nazi swastika was often placed on every medal, except for certain conquest medals, such as the conquest of Czechoslovakia and Tunisia.
- 3
  Identify the Reichsadler Eagle insignia on the medal. Originally the Reichsadler was an ornamental eagle for the Holy Roman Empire and later adopted by Germany. The Eagle (Reichsadler) insignia was a widely used symbol, and typically has tapered wings, in conjunction with crossed swords or sometimes holding a wreath with extended wings. The Eagle insignia was placed on numerous German WW II medals.
- 4
  Look for the German soldier helmet typically placed over a swastika or under a broad edged sword. A number is sometimes present on some helmet symbols, and identifies the brigade or troop to which the solder belonged.
- 5
  Identify the Iron Cross on the medals. This was the most widely used insignia other than the Nazi Swastika. The points of the iron cross flare out on both sides, at all four cross points, and was typically black on painted medals.

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