SMGN-1474 Eastern Peoples Decoration Second Class in Silver with Swords

Zinc with a silver finish that is mostly lost to time. The authentic ribbon has some light soiling and the original pin brooch.

Originally known as the Bravery and Merit Decoration for the Eastern People, this series of medals was instituted in July of 1942 to recognize the volunteers from the Eastern European countries to Germany’s war effort. The awards were introduced in 2 classes with 5 grades and were awarded with swords for bravery in combat, or without swords for outstanding service to the war effort. The awards were rendered in a 1st class in gold and silver and a 2nd class in gold, silver, and bronze grades and all could be issued with or without swords. The 1st class medals were pin back attachments while the 2nd class medals had a green ribbon with or without stripes.