In 1931, the Bruening government introduced voluntary labor service in labor camps. The goal was to employ a large number of unemployed youth. In 1933, after the National Socialists came to power, it was systematically expanded. Thanks to the Imperial Labor Service, first of all, projects for the construction of roads, canals and dams were implemented, as well as military facilities were expanded or assistance was provided in agriculture. The Imperial Labour Service also served to indoctrinate and prepare for military service. The structures and ranks were similar to the army.
The 1935 Act made 6 months' service in the Imperial Labour Service compulsory for men.
For women, this duty appeared only in 1939. Since 1938, women between the ages of 14 and 25 had to undergo a mandatory economic or agricultural year, which could be counted as imperial labor service.
On the 5th anniversary of the seizure of power by the National Socialists, Reich Chancellor Adolf Hitler established the service awards of the Imperial Labor Service on January 30, 1938. The award consisted of 4 stages, each for men and women separately.
Level 1 was awarded after 25 years of faithful service. 2nd after 18 years, 3rd after 12 years and 4th stage after 4 years. The 2nd and 3rd levels of service awards are made of silver-plated metal. The difference between the 2nd and 3rd stage is a silver woven sign on the ribbon. The 1st stage woven the emblem into gold. In grade 4, a bronze medal. Medals were made of various materials: light metal, bronze, military metal (zinc) or bathing.
Oval bronze medal in non-ferrous metal. Above is a soldered ordinary eye with a ribbon ring.
Front side:
Downside:
Tape:
Photos courtesy of Militaria-Berlin
Obverse: 4th Grade Women's Imperial Labour Service Service Award
Reverse: 4th Level Women's Imperial Labour Service Service Award
Awards of World War II