BACKGROUND: On February 4TH 1936, prior to introduction of the Olympic Games Commemorative Medal, the German Olympic Merit Decoration was introduced in two classes, with the 1ST class Decoration being a neck award and the 2ND class Decoration being a breast award. The 1ST class Decoration was awarded to personnel who made significant contributions to the organization of the games and the 2ND class Decoration was awarded to personnel for distinguished service during the games. The Olympic Games Commemorative Medal was instituted on July 31ST 1936 for award to German nationals and foreign personnel who assisted in the preparation and organization of the 11TH Summer and 4TH Winter Olympic games in Berlin and Garmisch-Partenkirchen respectively. Only 54,915 Olympic Games Commemorative Medals were awarded making it a relatively scarce medal.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly 37mm diameter, nickle/silver plated, die struck steel medal, with suspension ring and ribbon. The medal features, to its obverse, a spread-winged eagle clutching a wreathed, mobile swastika in its talons, which has "19" and "36" to either side of it, all against a column surmounted by the five Olympic "rings." To the reverse is the script, "Für Verdienstvolle Mitarbeit Bei Den Olympischen Spielen 1936" (For Meritorious Collaboration At The Olympic Games 1936), with a spray of oak leaves beneath. The plating is about 98% retained. The award comes its original red rayon ribbon with narrow black edge stripes and five narrow central stripes.