BACKGROUND: Modeled after the Prussian Life Saving medal of 1833, it was awarded to rescuers who had placed their own lives in danger while in the process of saving the life of another.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Die struck silver alloy medal, with a loop to its top, through which is fed the suspension ring for a section of its original ribbed rayon ribbon. To the obverse of the medal is a splayed-winged eagle, with a shield to its breast, within which is a mobile swastika. To the reverse is the embossed, Gothic script, "Für Rettung Aus Gefahr" (For Rescuing From Danger), encircled by oak leaves. Its ribbon is orange, with a white, vertical stripe near either edge.