History

The Medal for Combat Service was established on October 17, 1938, the same day the Medal for Bravery was created. This medal was conferred upon Army, Navy, Border Guards, Internal Troops, and USSR citizens in recognition of assistance in successful combat operations. The medal was awarded for skillful, bold combat actions displaying initiatives, causing the successful accomplishments of a unit's combat mission; for courage displayed in the defense of the state border; for accomplishments in military and political training, developing new military equipment, or supporting high level of a unit's training.

Prior to the Great Patriotic War more than 21,000 were awarded. Approximately 3,000 were awarded for the Battles at Halhingol and Khasan. By 1981, over 5 million had been awarded.

The Medal for Combat Service has two types. The Type I, early suspension (1938-1943) is made from two pieces. It has a silver ring soldered to the medal at 12 o'clock. The early suspension is rectangular in shape with a screwpost and small nut on the reverse. Early screwpost plates measure 18mm and Mondvor in raised letters while later screwposts have larger screwplates that measure 24-25mm and a Monetny Dvor mark. This type has three variations.

Variation I has a copper screwpost on the reverse, with the small screwplate. It has a Latin"No" written before the serial number, both of which are hand engraved. The serial numbers range from roughly 1 to 29,000.

Variation II has a larger, thicker silver-plated brass screwback. It also has the Latin "No" before the serial number, both of which are hand engraved. The serial numbers range from roughly 30,000 to 34,000.

Variation III has a stamped serial number and therefore does not have the Latin "No" before the serial number and a large screwback. The serial numbers range from roughly 52,000 to 470,000.

The obverse Russian inscription translates to: "For Combat Service". The obverse also features the Cyrillic script for the USSR.