Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good example of the rare German WWII Return of Memel Commemorative Medal (or Medaille zur Erinnerung an die Heimkehr des Memellandes; 22. März 1939). The medal itself is in great shape, with just a bit of wear and oxidation, giving it a lovely patina. The ribbon is in excellent condition, showing very little wear or discoloration, and is threaded through the hanger loop and sewn together at the top. We have only had a few of these before, and this is definitely a nice example, perfect to add to any collection!

The Memel medal was a decoration of NSDAP Germany awarded during the interwar period, and the last of the series of German Occupation Medals. Germany annexed the Klaipėda Region (Memel Territory) from Lithuania on 22 March 1939 after an oral ultimatum. On 23 March an occupation of the city and district was carried out by German Army troops. This area of East Prussia, with 160,000 inhabitants, had been turned over to Lithuania in the aftermath of World War I. To commemorate the occupation the “Memel Medal” was authorized on 1 May 1939.

It was awarded until 31 December 1940. The award was presented to all military, political and civil personnel who had distinguished themselves in actions related to the annexation of the district to Germany. In all 31,322 medals were awarded.

The Memel Medal Design
The medal was designed by Professor Richard Klein and die struck in bronze. It was worn on the left tunic pocket suspended from a white ribbon with a green strip in the middle and two red strips on each side, the historic colors of Lithuania Minor.

The obverse was the exactly the same as the previous two medals, but the reverse reads "ZUR ERINNERUNG AN DIE HEIMKEHR DES MEMELLANDES 22. MÄRZ 1939" (To commemorate the return of the Memel District. 22 March 1939), surrounded by an oak leave wreath.