History

The East Medal was established by Adolf Hitler on May 26th, 1942, to recognise individuals who rendered service during the first winter of the Russian campaign. The decoration was conferred upon members of military formations who served on the Eastern Front for at least 14 days between November 16th, 1941, and April 15th, 1942. In addition, it was also conferred upon members of non-military formations who served on the Eastern Front for 60 days between November 16th, 1941, and April 15th, 1942.

Members of the Luftwaffe were eligible to receive the Medal after 30 days of operational flying.

If an individual was wounded in the line of duty, the time period to receive a Medal could be reduced.

Women and foreign volunteers were also eligible to receive the Medal.

German soldiers gave the medal the nickname of “The Frozen Meat Order.”