Spanish 'Blue-Division' Russian Campaign Medal

Spanish 'Blue-Division' Russian Campaign Medal (Medalla de la campaña de Rusia). This was a Commemorative Medal for Spanish Volunteers of the 'Blue Division' who served on the Russian front. The Division fought solely on the Eastern Front from August 1941 until October 1943, when the Spanish Government ordered its withdrawal. Approximately 45.000 Spanish served on the Eastern Front, with significant impact on the operations as most of them were Veterans of the Spanish Civil War or members of the Spanish Regular Army. The Spanish casualties in the Russian campaign are estimated to 5000 KIA and 8700 wounded. The medal was instituted on 9 November 1943 and was awarded to veterans after the war as well. The medal shows the Spanish eagle with an enamel Iron Cross with Swastika, the reverse is showing the script 'Rusia 1941' under an image of the Kremlin. The Spanish made tombak type medal is complete with its original ribbon. Nice original medal in very good condition!