The award of the Soviet Union - the medal "For Distinction in Military Service" - was approved in 1974. It was awarded to military personnel of the army, navy, internal and border troops who showed valor. The grounds for awarding are high rates of 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 midshipmen and ensigns. The medal has been kept among the 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 height of 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 serves. Such signs were worn only by the we althy segments of the population. Usually these werefeudal lords or representatives of the upper classes. Already in those days, medals were a symbol of distinction, and the people who wore them were an example to follow.
On the territory of Russia, these signs appeared at about the same time. A distinctive feature was that they were awarded only to the military. The medals were minted gold coins, which many did not use for their intended purpose. Often they were sewn on items of clothing, for example, on shirts and hats. In the 16-17 centuries, medals began to be stamped in a more familiar form for us, with the name of an event or battle, and handed over for certain merits.
Present
These days awards are held quite often. Almost everyone can get a medal. For example, for long service, for services to the Patronymic, etc. The state is engaged in the production of medals, as well as other awards. These badges of honor are made by printing. A pattern, inscription or drawing is applied by hand and engraved.
Medals began to be actively created after the advent of Soviet power. Participants of the October Revolution received especially many awards. And during and after the Great Patriotic War, they were awarded to the military and ordinary workers who made a significant contribution to the victory over the enemy. Medals were usually received by ordinary soldiers. Although they were often awarded orders.
The most honorable and valuable is the order "Victory", made of 170 diamonds. Only 17 people have become its owners in the entire history of the USSR and modern Russia. Establishes and awards the highestawards only the President of Russia. 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. For the entire period of its existence, the medal "For Distinction in Military Service" of the 1st degree was received by 25 thousand people, the 2nd degree - 130 thousand. This badge is awarded for achievements and successes, valor and courage while serving in the following types of troops: ground, navy, border and internal. The medal is worn on the right side of the chest.
The design and shape of the medal was created by 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 there were images of shields with various types of troops. Engraved three-dimensional silhouettes of a sailor, a pilot and a 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 three-dimensional five-pointed star.
Awards
The first to receive the USSR medal "For Distinction in Military Service" was Private Anatoly Spirin, who showed courage and bravery. He was noted for the capture of dangerous armed criminals. But most often it was awarded to ensigns and midshipmen, especially before various holidays and significant dates associated with the armed forces. officersand soldiers were rarely awarded it. During the fighting in Afghanistan, many servicemen received this award for valiant service, courage and bravery. Some were honored posthumously.
The last award took place in the spring of 1993. In total, more than 140,000 servicemen received the medal "For Distinction in Military Service" of the USSR of both degrees. But this award has been 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.
