This is an authentic WW2 Nazi Germany RAD Long Service Medal awarded to male and female volunteers of the National Labour Service for long and meritorious service. This medal, the 3rd class was for 12 years of meritorious service.
It was instituted by Adolf Hitler on 30 January 1938 & came in four classes.
4th Class: Conferred f/4 years of service (Bronzed Aluminum).
3rd Class: Conferred f/12 years of service (Silvered Aluminum).
2nd Class: Conferred f/18 years of service (Silvered Aluminum).
1st Class: Conferred f/25 years of service (Bronze Gold).
Note: The number of years serving in the RAD counted for double during wartime.
Description:
A 40mm tall vertical oval die struck alloy w/silver wash. Oak leaf wreath surrounds the oval at the obverse and reverse
Note: There are two versions of each grade (men x1 & women x1), differing on the obverse. The men's version featured a swastika on a spade between two ears of barley (as explained above). The women's (RADwJ) version featured a large swastika between two ears of barley.
Obverse - Against a plain & smooth background is embossed the RAD logo, the upright spade head featuring a mobile swastika & sprigs of barley extending from either side of its base.
Reverse - Against a plain & smooth background is embossed, in gothic script “Für treue Dienste im Reichs-Arbeits-dienst” (For loyal Service in-the National-labor-service).
Legend:
RAD = Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labor Service)
RADwJ = ReichsArbeitsdienst der weiblichen Jugend (National Labor service for female Youth.
History:
The RAD was "officially" established on 26 June 1935 as the sole (and compulsory) labor service of Germany. Its purpose was to aid the crippling economy, slow unemployment as well as, indoctrinate its members with NSDAP ideology. It also had a role in militarizing the German population.
In July of 1935, RAD service became compulsory for all all German citizens aged 19 to 25 enlisted, for a six-month term. This law also decreed that all military conscripts serve a nine-month term.
Note: Multiple in stock...Shipped item may not be exactly as appears in the photos - may contain slight variation in color/standard age wear.
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WW2 (Nazi Germany) RAD Long Service
Medal, 3rd Class - 12 Years of Service
$128.00 (Firm)
*Authentic Issue*
Established by Adolf Hitler
30 January 1938.
Awarded to males/females of the National
Labour Service (RAD) f/meritorious service.
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