The award of the Soviet Union - the medal "For Distinction in Military Service" - was approved in 1974. She was handed over to valiant military personnel of the army, navy, internal and border troops. The grounds for rewarding are high combat training, significant achievements in tactics and strategy, courage, heroism, as well as other merits shown during military service. This insignia was most often awarded to warrant officers and warrant officers. The medal was kept among military awards in modern Russia.
History
The history of medals goes back to medieval Europe. In those days, they were not just a reward. Their presence was considered the highest honor. They were awarded only to knights. By medals it was possible to determine the rank of a warrior, the type of his activity, to understand who he was serving. Such signs were worn only by wealthy layers of the population. Usually they were feudal lords or representatives of the upper classes. Already in those days, medals were a symbol of distinction, and the people who wore them were role models.
In Russia, these signs appeared at about the same time. A distinctive feature was that they were awarded only to the military. Medals were minted gold coins that many did not use for their intended purpose. Often they were sewn on items of clothing, for example, on shirts and hats. In the 16-17th centuries, medals began to be stamped in a form more familiar to us, with the name of an event or battle, and awarded for certain merits.
Present
Today, awards are held quite often. Almost everyone can get a medal. For example, for length of service, for services to the Fatherland, etc. The state is engaged in the production of medals, as well as other awards. These honorary signs are made by the signet method. The pattern, inscriptions or drawing are applied manually and engraved.
Actively began to create medals after the advent of Soviet power. Participants in the October Revolution received especially many awards. And during and after World War II, they were handed over to military and ordinary workers who made a significant contribution to the victory over the enemy. Medals were usually given to ordinary soldiers. Although often they were awarded orders.
The most honorable and valuable is the Order of Victory, made of 170 diamonds. In the history of the USSR and modern Russia, only 17 people became its owners. Only the President of Russia establishes and presents the highest awards. On his behalf, another high-ranking official can do this.
Medal "For Distinction in Military Service"
This award was created and established in the 70s in the USSR. She was one of the most valuable medals. Over the entire period of its existence, the medal "For Distinction in Military Service" of the 1st degree received 25 thousand people, 2 degrees - 130 thousand. Such a badge is awarded for achievements and successes, valor and courage while serving in the following types of troops: ground, navy, borderline and domestic. The medal is worn on the right side of the chest.
The creator of the drawing and the shape of the medal was the Soviet artist Zhuk A. B. It was made of brass in the shape of a circle with a regular five-pointed star on it. At its ends were images of shields with various arms. Engraved volumetric silhouettes of a sailor, pilot and soldier were placed one after another in the center of the medal. The diameter of the medal was 38 mm. It was attached to a brass block hidden by a thin ribbon of red fabric. In the middle of the ribbon was a small voluminous five-pointed star.
Awards
The first to receive the USSR medal “For Distinction in Military Service” was Private Spirin Anatoly, who showed courage and courage. He was noted for the capture of dangerous armed criminals. But most often it was awarded to warrant officers and warrant officers, especially before various holidays and significant dates associated with the armed forces. Officers and soldiers were rarely awarded with it. During the fighting in Afghanistan, many troops received this award for valiant service, courage and courage. Some were awarded this honor posthumously.
The last award took place in the spring of 1993. In total, more than 140 thousand military personnel received the medal "For Distinction in Military Service" of the USSR of both degrees. But this award was preserved in modern Russia. The medal "For Distinction in Military Service" of the Russian Federation is awarded for the same merits for which it was awarded in Soviet times.