WWII Russian Liberation Army ROA / POA Sleeve Shield (Uniform Removed!)

Original WWII German/Russian ROA (POA) sleeve shield, belonging to the Russian Liberation Army, also known as the Vlasov Army.

The shield is constructed on a dark green wool backing, with a machine-embroidered red, white and blue shield bearing the traditional St. Andrew’s Cross, together with the characteristic golden-yellow Cyrillic letters “POA” (РОА – Russkaya Osvoboditelnaya Armiya / Russian Liberation Army).

This is the machine-embroidered wool construction, rather than the later printed type. The construction, materials and embroidery are consistent with known wartime examples of this scarce Russian volunteer insignia. Comparable machine-embroidered examples are documented by specialist dealers and auction houses.

The reverse shows the original wool construction and embroidery work. The piece displays honest period wear and age, including some loose threads and minor wear to the embroidery, consistent with a removed uniform insignia.

The ROA sleeve shield was introduced for Russian volunteer formations serving on the German side during WWII. The insignia incorporates the traditional Russian colours and the St. Andrew’s Cross, deliberately distinguishing the Russian volunteers from the Soviet state symbolism.