History

The Medal of Special Merit in the Defence of the State and Social Order was conferred upon Romanian civilians and military personnel in the state security forces for contributions to social order, the preservation of socialism, and the defence of the state. It was permanently discontinued following the collapse of the Socialist Republic in 1989.

There are three different versions of the Silver Medal. The first version, awarded from 1958-1965, features the initials of the Romanian People's Republic, while the second version features the initials of the Romanian Socialist Republic. The third version features a different crest and has an obverse inscription that translates to "Romanian Socialist Republic." All three versions have a reverse inscription that translates to "For Special Merit in the Defense of the State and Social Order."

See also the Order for Special Merit in the Defence of the State and Social Order in the Orders of the Romanian People's Republic & Romanian Socialist Republic (1947-1989) for the order that was created alongside this medal.