WWII GERMAN MEMEL MEDAL -
The Battle of Memel or the Siege of Memel took place when the Soviets launched their Memel Offensive Operation
in late 1944. The offensive led to a three-month siege against German forces in a small bridgehead in the town
and its port.
On October 5, Bagramyan opened the offensive against Raus' Third Panzer Army on a sixty-mile front, concentrating
his breakthrough force against the relatively weak 551st Volksgrenadier Division. The latter collapsed on the
first day, and a ten-mile penetration was achieved; Bagramyan then committed Volsky's 5th Guards Tank Army into
the breach, aiming for the coast to the north of Memel.
The town was finally abandoned on January 27, 1945. The success of the Soviet East Prussian Offensive to the south
made the position of the bridgehead untenable, and it was decided to withdraw the XXVIII Corps from the town into
Samland to assist in the defence there; the remaining troops of the 95th and 58th Infantry Divisions were evacuated
to the Curonian Spit, where the 58th Division acted as a rearguard for the withdrawal.
The last Germans units left at 4am on January 28, Soviet units taking possession of the harbour a few hours later.
Germans not evacuated were subsequently murdered by the Soviets.
The item featured here is a WWII German Memel medal.
The design of the medal consists of a multi-colored ribbon with a green stripe down the center. White, red white
stripes are placed to each side.
The front shows two individuals runing with a flag. An eagle with wings fully extended and clutching a swastika
is placed in the lower section. The design of the front is the same as used in the
German WWII Anschluss medal.
The reverse of the medal has a wreath with the following writing "Zur erinnerung an die heim kehr des memelandes
22 marz 1939".
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This page is a recognition and identification guide for WWII German medals and ribbons. Multiple
detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points
that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my WWII German award worth?". A price
guide is included here to address this question. The value of the medals and ribbons is reviewed
over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of the German
awards in the collector's market is illustrated.
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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.
If you have an interest is seeing other badges and awards of the Third Reich, you can do so by going
to our
WWII German Badges and Awards
identification guide. Where we cover Heer (Army), Navy (Kriegsmarine) and
Air Force (Luftwaffe) items.
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