Medal For Fighting Flood Disasters /For Selfless Service In Fighting Disasters.

[Taz]

These are two medals with the same ribbon colours and obverse design.
The Medal for Fighting Flood Disaster in July 1954 is larger and has a different reverse

below:

Medaille für selbstlosen Einsatz bei der Bekämpfung von Katastrophen (Medal for Selfless Service in Fighting Disasters) (1957) 1 modell

Pentagonal suspension

Medaille für die Bekämpfung der Hochwasserkatastrophe im Juli 1954 (Medal for Fighting Flood Disaster in July 1954)

[Lapa]

Taz,

Interesting, it seems that the later medal is less detailed and of rougher manufacture than the earlier one. Is that something standard for East German awards?

Marc

[Taz]

Hello Marc,

Yes, although in this case more to do with the quality of the scan than the medal itself.
Most people seem not to realise that although GDR medals look ''cheap'' in some respects, they are in general very well and cleanly struck.
Earlier versions are often made of better materials, that defines the main difference.
The image below shows two versions, the later one on the right looks a little rougher in appearance, which as you ask is the norm in later variations. However the laurel leaf does look cleaner on the actual medal than it appears here.
The pentagonal suspension is of course optional and was only issused on the rectangular type. The awardee had to buy the ''NVA'' type at his or her own expense.

Below:

Medaille für die Bekämpfung der Hochwasserkatastrophe im Juli 1954 (Medal for Fighting Flood Disaster in July 1954)

Very heavy rainfall in the Erz and Elstergebirge in July 1954 led to a flood disaster.

Awarded for selfless work, exemplary and self-sacrificing activities in the fighting of the flood disaster from 1954 as well as the removal of the flood damages.
Made of Bronze, diameter 36mm. ribbon bar 14x30mm or 12x28 mm


Medaille für selbstlosen Einsatz bei der Bekämpfung von Katastrophen (Medal for Selfless Service in Fighting Disasters) (1957) 1. Modell

The Council of Ministers of the German Democratic Republic instituted this decoration on the 15th August 1957.
There was only one class.
Often awarded to fire service personal, in addition, to individuals and collectives, usually immediately after the honour-worthy achievement.
The awarding took place first by the Minister of the Interior then starting from the 1st March 1981 via the Minister for national defense.
The medal was carried on the left upper breast side, the medal clip is at the same time the ribbon bar.
in 1972 the appearance was changed.
made of Non-ferrous metal, bronze in colour. 30mm in diameter. The ribbon bar in 1957 12x28mm, from 1958 12x25mm


Regards Eddie

[Taz]

This last version of the medal is much simplified in design on the obverse and reverse.

Medaille für selbstlosen Einsatz bei der Bekämpfung von Katastrophen (Medal for Selfless Service in Fighting Disasters) (1957) 2. Modell


The Council of Ministers of the German Democratic Republic instituted this decoration on 15th August 1957.
The medal waschanged on 25th April 1972 into this form.
Often awarded to fire service personal, in addition, to individuals and collectives, usually immediately after the honour-worthy achievement.
The awarding took place first by the Minister of the Interior then starting from the 1st March 1981 via the Minister for national defense.
Made of Tombac, Gilt silver or gold. Diameter 30 mm, the ribbon bar was first 12x25 mm, later 14x25 mm