Led by Generalmajor Theodor Scherer, a mixed group of Wehrmacht Heer, Luftwaffe fallschirmjager, Waffen-SS panzergrenadiers and Ordnungspolizei personnel were supplied by air until relieved on 5 May 1942.

[3] After the relief of Cholm, a commemorative shield was suggested by General Scherer to Adolf Hitler, who agreed to the award.

[4] A design by Polizei-Rottwachtmeister Schlimmer, a veteran of the pocket, was then approved by Hitler, with some minor changes made by Professor Richard Klein.

[1] The award features a shield, 38mm wide and 65mm high,[5] with a large "open-winged" Wehrmacht-style eagle grasping an Iron Cross with a swastika at its centre.

[7] After an initial ban, the Federal Republic of Germany re-authorised the wear of many World War II military decorations in 1957.