VINTAGE RUSSIA SOVIET UNION MEDAL FOR COMBAT SERVICE #900393

Description

Offered is an original Russian/Soviet Union Medal for combat service. The medal features a 32mm wide circular silver medal with loop for ribbon suspension; the face inscribed ‘ЗА / БОЕВЬІЕ / ЗАСЛУГИ’ (for Combat Service), the letters ‘СССР’ (for Sojus Sowjetskich Sozialistitscheskich Respublik = Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) in red enamel above, a crossed sabre and rifle with bayonet fixed below; the reverse plain numbered 900393, on original ribbon and pentagonal hanger mounted for wear. An early wartime award piece.

The medal was instituted on 17 October 1938 as an award for bravery in combat, to recognise ‘combat action resulting in a military success’, ‘courageous defence of the state borders’ or ‘successful military and political training and preparation’. The medal became obsolete in 1991.