5. Gebirgs Division Medal

**Brad** · 03-11-2014, 03:27 AM

Hello Gebirgsjaeger fans,

Here are a couple of photos of a 5. Gebirgs Division medal that may be of interest. I really don't know much about this medal's history. Any information will be enlightening and interesting.

Brad

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 03-11-2014 03:27 AM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**Wagriff** · 03-11-2014, 03:38 AM

Somehow, I find it difficult to believe that the 5th Gebirgs were holding ski competitions in the Western Alps a month before the end of the War.

**Brad** · 03-11-2014, 04:37 AM

Yes, it does seem incredulous. Nonetheless, here we have a badge that seemingly disputes what we think. We weren't there. The question is, was this badge?

In April of 1943, the 5. Gebirgs Division was re-deployed to Italy and served the remainder of the War in Italy and the Western Alps. They surrendered to the Americans near Turin in May, 1945. That's all I know right now.

**AZPhil** · 03-11-2014, 04:48 AM

I don't know yea or nea on this . But You have to keep the troops busy and motivated during the toughest times. Why not a little friendly competition.

Semper Fi
Phil

**Erno** · 03-11-2014, 04:54 AM

Is this made of bronze? It does seem strange, considering the direness of Germany's situation, that such time and resources would have been put not necessarily toward the skiing competition itself, but to the production of such a badge.

**Wagriff** · 03-11-2014, 04:57 AM

Well, if you do a Google search for it, you'll find more than one of these supposedly rare badges being offered for sale by dubious sellers. It stretches the imagination to think that somehow, in the burning ruins of Europe, the 5th Gebirgs somehow set up a ski tournament (interrupted by frequent Artillery and Aeriel attacks, I would think) and went even further-planned, organized and arranged to have Medals struck Somewhere, paid for them with What money-German?, Italian Partisan Notes?, Vichy French currency?, and somehow Delivered to them by what? Italian Alpine mules? And in time to award them...

As amazing as it would be to have actually accomplished all this in the few weeks they had left to their freedom, I rather think that the 5th Gebirgs were abit more occupied at the moment with trying to not die in the last waning hours of the War...

**Erno** · 03-11-2014, 05:07 AM

Maybe this was made in advance for an event that never actually took place. If they were meant as awards for those participating in the event, they would have been ordered and struck some time in advance. Also possible is that it was struck postwar to retroactively commemorate the event (assuming it could have happened), as it lacks all National Socialist symbolism.

**Brad** · 03-11-2014, 05:12 AM

Remember, they're Germans. They performed amazing feats during the war. The Mountain Goat is the correct insignia for this Division. I'm not saying this badge/medallion is period or not, although I think it might be. Believe me, i'm not holding my breath. But it is interesting.