Original World War Two German Sudetenland Medal - Single Mount for parade wear.
The 1st October 1938 Medal was the second in the "Anschluss" series, awarded on October 18th 1938 to both civilians and military personnel who aided in the "return" of the Sudetenland to Germany. Similar to the previous "13 März 1938" medal commemorating Austria's annexation, it featured the same design.
The Sudetenland, which had a population of over three million ethnic Germans, was a part of Bohemia that was given to Czechoslovakia in 1919 as per the treaty of Saint Germain en Laye signed by Austria and the allies after WWI. Hitler argued that the Czechs were unfairly mistreating the German Sudetens, which ultimately led to the annexation of the area into Germany. On September 29th 1938, a meeting was held in Munich with Britain’s Chamberlain, France’s Daladier, Italy’s Mussolini, and Hitler, where it was decided to return the Sudetenland region back to Germany. On October 1st 1938 German troops marched into the region.
On May 1st, 1939, Hitler expanded the eligibility for the 1st October 1938 medal to include personnel involved in creating the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. Those who had already received the medal were awarded the Prague Castle bar, which was to be worn on the ribbon.
