Luftschutz Medal 2nd Class with Packet

Product Description: This is a great example of a packeted Luftschutz Medal 2nd Class. The medal is zinc based, and retains most of the original finish, with attractive silver tones. There is no evident wear to the metal. It’s nicely struck, with crisp details and clean surfaces. The medal is complete with the original suspension ring. The ring is maker marked, but the stamp is not legible. The ring retains a length of correct blue, red, white and black ribbon. The silky ribbon is clean, with no issues and nice original color. This attractive award is housed in the original paper packet of issue, which is scarce. The packet is made from a typical, buff colored paper. The front of the packet is emblazoned with the designation of the award, “Luftschutz-Ehrenzeichen 2. Stufe.” The back of the packet is maker marked, with “Katz & Deyhle, Pforzheim” in a box. The maker mark is lightly printed. The packet is folded over at the top, and shows normal wear with creases and soft edges. It remains sound. This Luftschutz Medal 2nd Class with packet is a nice set, that is in excellent condition.

Historical Description: German political and civil authorities began preparing for Allied air raids even before WWII started. The Reichs-Luftschutz-Bund (RLB), under the auspices of the German Luftwaffe, was the primary organization responsible for air raid protection and readiness. Shelters were constructed all over the German Reich, and civilians were issued gas masks. Members of the RLB wore many different kinds of uniforms and equipment, from fine regalia used in parades to work coveralls and protective equipment and gear for firefighting. After the outbreak of the war, the role of the Luftschutz was expanded, and other organizations were brought under the Luftschutz umbrella, including the Luftschutz-Warndienst, Luftschutzpolizei, and the Sicherheits- und Hilfsdienst. The men and women of the Luftschutz were tasked with extinguishing fires caused by incendiary bombs, often with nothing more than buckets of sand or water with hand pumps. They maintained order in air raid bunkers and provided first aid to those injured in the bombings. In the day and night raids on the bombed-out cities, and even during the horrific firestorms that took the lives of thousands, the Luftschutz were on duty.

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