Spanish Blue Division Eastern Front Volunteer Medal

Gilt zinc medal in very good condition. Original period issue medal, circa. 1944. Measures 31mm across. Completed with correct, but newer ribbon (likely later 1940s or early 1950s).

The Spanish Volunteer Medal formally known as the Commemorative Medal for Spanish Volunteers in the Struggle Against Bolshevism (German: Erinnerungsmedaille für die spanischen Freiwilligen im Kampf gegen den Bolschewismus), commissioned 3 January 1944, was awarded by the Third Reich 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 (Spanish Division.), was composed of 47,000 men, sent by Francisco Franco to aid the Third Reich, as a way to pay back Germany’s help during the Spanish Civil War.