Blue Division Medal

Blue Division Medal-The Spanish Volunteer Medal formally known as the Commemorative Medal for Spanish Volunteers in the Struggle Against Bolshevism (Erinnerungsmedaille für die spanischen Freiwilligen im Kampf gegen den Bolschewismus), commissioned in January of 1944, was awarded to recognize the men of the Blue Division who served at the Russian front during World War II. This force, attached to the Heer of the Wehrmacht, known as the 250th Infantry Division, was in total composed of 47,000 men, sent by Francisco Franco to aid, as a way to pay back Adolf Hitler's help during the Spanish Civil War. The obverse shows a German Army helmet above two shields which show the Wehrmacht eagle and the Falange symbol, the two shields in front of a sword, with a swastika flanked by laurel leaves below. On the reverse is the inscription 'División Española de Voluntarios en Rusia' and at the bottom the Iron Cross underneath laurel leaves. This badge is made of zinc, so has lost all of its original finish over time. It also has an incorrect ribbon attached. The details show moderate wear but overall, this rare badge is in good condition.