HISTORY. As German military power stretched across Europe, many people in the occupied countries volunteered to fight for the German cause. Some were ideologues, some were opportunists, some probably “volunteered” because they had no other choice. In some areas, the Germans eagerly sought volunteers; in others, the Germans were less trusting, and the formation of volunteer units proceeded slowly. But by the end of the war, approximately one million foreign volunteers and conscripts were among those who had fought under Hitler.

This is a typical example of the Russian POA Volunteer Sleeve Shield. It’s the second pattern, screen printed on a thin, white, smooth fabric. The Cyrillic letters “POA” in yellow that emblazon the top of the shield (ROA, in Latin letters) is an acronym for the Russian Army of Liberation, MINT.

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