Description
Memel Medal. Germany annexed the Klaipėda Region (Memel Territory) from Lithuania on 22 March 1939 after an ultimatum. On 23 March the occupation of the city and district was carried out by German 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 annexation, the “Memel Medal” – The Return of Memel Commemorative Medal- was authorized on 1 May 1939 and was awarded until 31 December 1940. In all 31,322 medals were awarded. This example is known as the “type 7” with there being different versions produced by various makers. LH9771