History

The Shield was instituted on July 25th, 1942, in commemoration of those who participated in operations in the Crimea.

The Shield was conferred upon all members of the armed forces who rendered honourable service in battles that took place in the Crimea from September 21, 1941 to July 4, 1942, including the Breakthrough Battle of Perekop, the Breakthrough Battle of Juschun, the Crimean follow-up battles, the Breakthrough at Kerch, the first attack on Sevastopol, the Battle of Feodosiya, the defensive battles at Parpach, the Reconquest of the Kerch Peninsula, and the second attack on Sevastopol.

The colour of the cloth backing awarded with the Badge reflected the military service branch of the recipient; dark green (early) and field grey (late) for Heer/Army, blue-grey for Luftwaffe/Air Force, dark blue for Kriegsmarine/Navy, and black for Panzer Units. Specially manufactured khaki, tan, or white cloth backings were used for tropical or summer uniforms.

In order to receive an award, an individual had to have participated in at least one major engagement or had to have served in the area for at 3 months. However, if an individual had been wounded they could receive the award for a shorter period of time in the area.