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K-300
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ALBERT LEO SCHLAGETER
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1923, Cast bronze, Portrait medal, 60.6mm, 74.50g., Edge-punched, "KGoeTz".
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Obverse: Albert Leo Schlageter, head, front. A flaming torch and laurel branch lie below. Inscription in exergue, "Glüh' heiľge Flamme glüh' glüh' u. erlösche nie für's Vaterland" (Glow Holy Flame! Glow! Glow! Never Die Out For The Fatherland). K G bisected by neckline. Reverse: Schlageter standing proudly before the French firing squad. Inscription, "Ermordet von den Franzosen!" (Murdered by the French) Dated, May 26, 1923. |
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The passive resistance as declared by the Government against the Ruhr occupation in many cases turned into active deeds against French troops. Activists of the national movement entered the Ruhr Valley in order to fight guerrilla warfare. Sabotage acts against bridges, railroad lines, waterways, and the killing of French guards were committed frequently. The French reacted sharply with arrests, military trials, deportations to other areas in Germany, and death warrants. On May 26, 1923, they executed Albert Leo Schlageter, an ex-member of the Freikorps (volunteer military units). Although a saboteur, Schlageter becomes a national hero and German political parties, from the right to the far left, hailed him as a martyr for the battle against the Ruhr occupation. The Nazis, of course, claimed him as their own. ------------ |
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