Cholm Shield, Luftwaffe/Air Force

SKU: 01.GTR.0503.102.01

Estimated market value:

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Estimated market value:

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Attributes

country

Germany
date of institution

July 1, 1942
remarks

This is the rarest commemorative shield awarded by the Germans during World War II. There were approximately 5500 badges awarded in total. The badges are composed of Silvered Iron Sheet are magnetic. The design of this badge was originally made by Generalleutnant Theodor Scherer and Polizei-Rottwachtmeister Schlimmer, but was altered before production by Dr. Richard Klein.

History

The Cholm Shield was instituted on July 1st, 1942, and was conferred upon all military personnel who participated in the Battle of Cholm Pocket from January 21st to May 5th, 1942.

From January 21st to May 1942, 5,500 men from various formations held the fortress area of Cholm. The men improvised an airstrip, measuring only 70x25 yards, which was used to deliver supplies and munitions to the encircled garrison. Aircrews who actually landed on the airstrip, and did not simply drop the supplies from the air received a Cholm Shield.

This is the rarest German combat shield and there were only 5500 recipients.

The Badge is white, and was worn on the left upper arm of a uniform, without a backing.