Germany, Heer. A Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 98 Anti-Partisan Campaign Christmas 1943 Commemorative Medal

 (Gebirgsjäger Erinnerungsabzeichen für Weihnachten 1943). Constructed of zink, topped by an integral suspension loop, the obverse bearing a raised edelweiss, overlaid by a Gebirgsjäger Bergmütze (Mountain Cap), circumscribed by an inscription of “KRIEGSWEIHNACHTEN 1943 - 11./98”, the reverse bearing a raised map of the southern Balkan peninsula, circumscribed by an inscription of “KEFALONIA - MONTENEGRO - GRIECHENLAND”, unmarked, measuring 35.04 mm in diameter, weighing 11.1 grams, a rare example in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Following combat on the Eastern Front, Gebirgsjäger-Regiment was withdrawn from combat against the Red Army and transferred to Crimea on 22 March 1943. From there, it was moved by train through Bulgaria to Montenegro, arriving the following month. The regiment was subsequently employed in anti-Partisan operations, fighting against Tito’s forces through the spring and summer, before being transferred to Greece for operations against resistance fighters. During this time, Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 98 participated in the Massacre of Kommeno, as part of a reprisal against Greek civilians for supplying food to members of the resistance. After this atrocity, the unit was again shifted to Kefalonia, then garrisoned by Italian troops, to ensure continued Axis control following Mussolini’s deposition. The unit ended 1943 by returning to anti-Partisan operations in Bosnia and Croatia.