Medal for Combat Service

Established - October 17, 1938 Composition - Silver and Enamel Number Awarded - 67,000 The Medal for Combat Service was awarded for exceptional conduct in battle resulting in the success of the unit, for personal courage in the defense of the borders of the Soviet Union, for excellence in military/political training, and for mastering new combat techniques/technology. It could be awarded to personnel of all ranks who served in the Army, Navy, Border Guards, and NKVD.  This medal could be awarded more than once and could be bestowed on people who were not citizens of the Soviet Union. The first of these medals were awarded to N. Gulyayev and B. Grigoryev on October 19, 1938 for their heroism in the battles of Lake Khasan in July and August of that year.

Medal for Combat Service This ribbon was awarded with the medal, and was worn when the full medal was not authorized (such as on off-duty uniforms).

 

Medal for Outstanding Achievements in Labor

Established - December 27, 1938 Composition - Silver and Enamel Number Awarded - 2,300,000 The Medal for Outstanding Achievements in Labor (also called the Medal of Labor Heroism)  was awarded to those who heroically dedicated themselves to the building of socialist society, for selfless work and excellent labor achievements.  This medal can be bestowed on people who are not citizens of the Soviet Union.  This medal ranks above the Labor Distinction Medal.  The first recipients of the Medal for Outstanding Achievements in Labor were a group of 14 gas workers of the Podzemgaz Association for the development of a technique for the underground gassification of coal.

Outstanding Achievements in Labor Ribbon This ribbon was awarded with the medal, and was worn when the full medal was not authorized (such as on off-duty uniforms).