The pocket of German troops had been encircled and cut off by the Red Army around Demyansk (Demjansk), south of Leningrad, and was successfully defended with the aid of an airbridge.

The central portion of the shield features a head-on single engine aircraft behind two crossed swords and, at the base, the year "1942".

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

The requirement for ground units was honourable service in the besieged area for 60 days, or a shorter period if wounded.

[2][6] Approximately 100,000 service personnel qualified for the shield,[7] with up to five examples issued to each recipient, enabling them to be permanently attached to each tunic and greatcoat.