BACKGROUND: The Russian Front Medal was instituted on May 26TH 1942 to commemorate the first winter campaign in Russia. The award was available to all Wehrmacht personnel, civilians and foreign volunteers who met the required criteria with the main qualification being at least fourteen days of participation in combat on the Russian front between November 15TH 1941 and April 15TH 1942.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Die struck alloy award with a silver washed outer rim and helmet, and a blued center. The obverse of the medal features a recessed outer rim with an embossed helmet and grenade to the top center and a high relief Wehrmacht style national eagle with down-swept wings, clutching a static swastika which is superimposed on a laurel leaf sprig to the center. The reverse of the medal features a recessed outer rim with a smooth background field with embossed Latin script to the center, "Winterschlacht Im Osten 1941/42", (Winter Battle in the East 1941/42), positioned above a crossed sword and a laurel leaf sprig. The ribbon suspension loop and medal ring are both intact. The award comes with an original section of clean ribbed rayon ribbon. The award also comes complete with its original pinkish, light weight cardstock issue envelope with black printed block script to the obverse, "Medaille Winterschlacht Im Osten 1941/42 (Ostmedaille)".