Established by the Supreme Soviet on 17th October 1938. Approximately 21,000 were issued by the start of World War II and by 1981 some 5 million plus were issued. The obverse of the medal has CCCP at the top in red enamel with the words "For combat service" above two weapons. The 1st of these weapons is a saber sword, pointing left and a Mosin-Nagant rifle with fixed bayonet pointing right. The reverse of the medal is plain with the number stamped. The medal shown is a post 1943 variation.