History

This medal was established to commemorate the absorption of the Western Caucasus into the Russian Empire. It was conferred upon officers of both low and high ranks, non-commissioned officers, enlisted men, and members of the militia.

In 1911, Nicholas II amended the criteria of the medal to suggest that those who were wounded would be able to add a bow to the ribbon of their medal.

The reverse inscription translates to: "For the Subjugation of the Western Caucasus".