The Demjansk Shield was issued on April 25th 1943. The shield was authorized by Adolf Hitler and was to be awarded to soldiers who participated in the defense of the Russian town of Demjansk. This award was issued to approximately 100,00 soldiers.

The shield would be worn on the upper sleeve of the dress uniform. It came attached to a piece of clothing that would then be sewn to the arm. The example portrayed here is missing the piece of cloth.

The following pictures provide a closer look at the badge construction: