Physical Description

A circular medal constructed of silver. The obverse depicts the coat of arms of Hamburg with the inscription "FÜR RETTUNG AUS GEFAHR" (for rescue from danger) below, and encompassed by a border with the inscription "FREIE UND HANSESTADT HAMBURG" (free and Hanseatic city of Hamburg). The reverse bears the image of a kneeling man struggling to free himself from tentacles. The 1918 version bears a loop for suspension and is on a red and white striped ribbon.

History

The Life Saving Medal was originally instituted on May 15, 1908 by the Hamburg City Senate. The medal was awarded to individuals who risked their own life to rescue another person.

The Life Saving Medal was not produced as a wearable award until 1918, but remained the same in physical character when it was.