The Spanish State under General Franco was officially non-belligerent during World War II. This status, although not recognised by international law, was intended to express the regime's sympathy and material support for the Axis Powers, to which Spain offered considerable material, economic, and military assistance.

Part of the assistance included troops who fought alongside the Germans in the Eastern front. For this action there were two medals issued. One by the Spanish government and one by the German government.

The item featured here is a WWII Germany Spanish volunteer as issued by the country of Spain.

The design of this medal consists of a multi-color ribbon with a yellow stripe down the center and red, white, black stripes runing down each side.

The medal is round. One side has two shiwlds with a sword in a horizontal position in the back. A helmet is placed in the upper area and a swastika with branches to each side is located at the lower section.

The reverse of the medal reads "Division espanola de voluntarios en Rusia". Which translates to: Spanish division of volunteers in Russia.

This award is currently being reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this badge. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the badge.