Medal Honoring Gen'l Creighton W Abrams 1972-74 made by Germany

[suwanneetrader]

Found this medal today. Suspension Bar has "3.INT.DEUTSCH-AMERIK. over VOLKSMARSCH" White and blue diamonds on ribbon (which is dirty).  Medal itself has a likeness of the General with 4 stars on his shoulders, as well as a German and a US Eagle on a shield and "SPVGG over HAMBACH over 1933" also all on a shield.  Around the edge of the 1 3/4 inch Medal is "GENERAL CREIGHTON W. ABRAMS STABSCHEF US ARMY1972-1974.  The reverse is blank.  Total length from suspension bar to bottom of medal is approx 4 1/2 inches. 

 

I have no idea what it is and can not find any info on line.  Richard

[suwanneetrader]

I have found that this is most likely for an athletic event and he was like the Grand Marshall and/or it was held in his name. Richard

[mars&thunder]

It's a Volksmarch medal. The Germans would hold them all over Germany every weekend during good weather. Anybody could attend. You went, paid a fee, walked the proscribed scenic route, and got a commemorative medal at the end. The Americans held them as well - it was a way to promote relations. The organization that put on the march represented by this medal is indicated by the shield on the right - SPVGG stands for a Sportsvereinigung (essentially sports association) located in Hambach and founded in 1933. The medal was probably associated with a march in 1974 or 75 given the date range. Since Abrams died in 1974, so he wouldn't have been present.

[suwanneetrader]

See Forum Medals For Sale for my LAST REDUCTION BEFORE FLEA MKT SUNDAY Richard