Original German WWII Heer (Army) Issued Krim Shield By Wilhelm Deumer-
The Krim Shield was a German World War II campaign award presented to Wehrmacht personnel who served on the Crimean Peninsula during the Eastern Front campaign between September 21, 1941, and July 4, 1942. Instituted by Adolf Hitler on July 25, 1942, the award recognized the “heroic battles” fought during the successful capture of Crimea by Army Group South, primarily the 11th Army under Generalfeldmarschall Erich von Manstein.
The design features a German national eagle clutching a swastika, positioned above a map of Crimea flanked by the dates “1941” and “1942” and the word “Krim.” The shield was worn on the upper left sleeve of the uniform.
Eligibility required participation in one of eight designated battles, being wounded in action, or serving at least three uninterrupted months in the region. It was awarded across all branches of the Wehrmacht, including the Heer, Luftwaffe, and Kriegsmarine.
Originally made of steel and later zinc, the shield was issued mounted on a backing cloth in the branch color, making it suitable for stitching onto the uniform. An estimated 200,000 to 300,000 Krim Shields were awarded.
This original Heer-issued Krim Shield was manufactured by the well-known firm Wilhelm Deumer and retains excellent detail with only minimal wear. Crafted from zinc, the shield is mounted on its original field-gray wool backing, reinforced with a metal backplate and secured by four prongs through corresponding holes.
The paper backing is no longer present, but the shield remains firmly assembled. Overall, this is a very solid and well-preserved example of this highly sought-after Eastern Front campaign award.
