WW2 GERMAN AUSTRIAN ANNEXATION MEDAL IN ITS ORIGINAL BOX
Instituted on 1 May 1938, the medal commemorated the annexation of Austria to the German Reich, the so-called Anschluss. The move was the first in Hitler's quest for Lebensraum, and it strengthened German flanks while weakening those of Czechoslovakia. German troops crossed the border on 12 March 1938, without any resistance. The medal, known as the "Anschluss medal", was awarded to all persons, both military and civilian who contributed to or participated in the annexation. It was also awarded to German State officials and members of the German Werhmacht and SS who marched into Austria. It was awarded until 31 December 1940, and a total of 318,689 medals were awarded.
This example comes in its original box and a ribbon bar is included.