Spain. Spanish Blue Division Medal. First Model with Original Case, 1943

The Commemorative Medal of the Russian Campaign, popularly known as the Blue Division Medal, was instituted by decree on 9 November 1943 to recognize the service of members of the Spanish Volunteer Division who served on the Russian Front in the fight against communism. It remains the only official Spanish decoration created to acknowledge the participation of Spanish volunteers in the Second World War.

This example is struck in silvered metal. The obverse features the emblem of the Spanish Army as established by the 1943 Uniform Regulations—an eagle with outstretched wings—superimposed upon a laurel wreath. At the center appears the Falange emblem, highlighted by an enameled Iron Cross, symbolizing the cooperation between Spain and Germany during the Russian campaign.

The reverse depicts the Cathedral of Saint Sophia protected by the walls of the Novgorod fortress, accompanied by the inscription “RUSIA 1941”. The design is surrounded by a broken chain, symbolizing the struggle against communism, while an open royal crown appears at the top.

The medal retains its original white ribbon, incorporating the colors of the German flag on the left side and those of the Spanish flag on the right.

Early examples such as this one were manufactured by Díez y Compañía, S. A., the company responsible for the first production runs of this decoration.

It is accompanied by its original cardboard presentation case, printed with the inscriptions: “TROOP MEDAL / GIFT OF THE MINISTRY OF THE ARMY”, “MINISTRY OF THE ARMY / COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL”, “SALE PROHIBITED (EXCLUSIVE)”, and “EXCLUSIVE MANUFACTURERS: DÍEZ Y COMPAÑÍA, S. A. – MADRID.”

Original period medal awarded to Spanish volunteers who served with the Blue Division during the Second World War.