German-Italian Africa Campaign Medal

Product Description: A German-Italian Africa Campaign Medal in overall excellent condition. This German-Italian Africa Campaign Medal is made out of the more desirable tombak base metal. The medal shows light wear and patina throughout. The ribbon is attached through the medals rectangular ribbon loop, and period sewn closed at the joining ends. The ribbons shows light wear and some fraying to the edges suggesting possible uniform wear. A nice early example of the German-Italian Africa Campaign Medal.

Historical Description: In the spring of 1942, the Italian government instituted a special campaign award to recognize the achievements of German troops in the campaign in Africa. It was designed by Roberto De Marchis. Early examples were struck from Tombak, while later examples were made of zinc with a bronze wash. The front of the award depicts a Nazi Swastika and Italian Fascist emblem, flanking an image of the Arco del Felini, which stood in modern Libya. The inscription “Italo-German Campaign in Africa” is rendered in both German and Italian. The reverse of the medal shows two gladiators, representing Germany and Italy, doing battle with a crocodile, symbolizing Britain. The award was suspended from a ribbon bearing both the German and the Italian national colors. The first awards of this medal took place in 1942. Because Italy was a German ally, German soldiers were permitted to wear this award. That changed in 1944 with the surrender of Italy. On March 29, 1944. new orders prohibited German troops from wearing Italian decorations. The Africa Campaign Medal was specifically mentioned in this order.

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