World War II German West Wall Medal

WWII WALL MEDAL, an antique replica of a Second World War German West Wall Medal. It measures 1 1/2" by 1 1/4". The front has a box with a sword and shovel and a Nazi eagle and swastika at the top, all within an oak leaf wreath. On the otherside is "Fur Arbeit Zum Schutze Deutschlands" which translates to "For Work to Protect Germany". It was instituted on August 2nd, 1939 as an award for the designers, planners and over 600,000 workers who constructed the Seigfried Line and other defensive fortifications along the western border of Germany with France. Members of the armed forces who were stationed on these defences prior to May 1940 were also eligible for the bronze award.