Original Item: Only One Available. Following the failed "Appeasement" Strategy of British Prime Minister of Neville Chamberlain, NSDAP Germany invaded and captured the Czech regions of Czechoslovakia on March 15, 1939. Previously they had been allowed to annex the so-called "Sudetenland" area, which had a high German population, however Adolf H had always had larger goals on his mind. Germany then occupied the area, which they would control until the end of the war.

To help raise money for and bring attention to the occupation of Czechoslovakia, during the 1939 New York World's Fair (Apr 30, 1939 – Oct 31, 1939), gilt bronze medals with CZECHOSLOVAKIA SHALL BE FREE AGAIN at the bottom were sold. Measuring 1 1/2" in diameter, the medals show a helmeted soldier tied to two columns, with snakes wrapped around each column and topped by German helmets. These are three swas (hook cross) emblems on each column, and there is a woman behind the soldier holding a baby and a child hugging the soldier around the waist, In the background are various iconic Czech scenes and locations shown, with PRAVDA (Prague) to the left, and the name of engraver ZVITEZI to the right.

The edge of the medal is maker marked with MEDALLIC ART CO. N.Y., and the reverse shows the Czech coat-of-arms, inscribed REPUBLIKA CESKOSLOVENSKA and is dated MARCH 15, 1939 at the top. the date of the German invasion of Czechoslovakia. Condition is excellent, and it shows just a bit of oxidation and loss of gilding on the reverse. The medal comes in the original case, MEDALLIC ART CO. NEW YORK on the underside of the lid. The exterior is white leatherette, and is in very good condition, showing just a bit of soiling.

A very interesting piece of history from the WWII Era, ready to display!