Medal "For Long Term Service".

[deValcourt]

As I've mentioned several times before, the title of this thread is a misnomer since I have only seen the one badge (and 2-3 pins) that I know of from the SNB (MVD/KGB equivalent), the reluctant Czech offspring of the KGB (pun intended, but not any insult to Czech or Slovak members).

Their medals were seriously uninspired, and this one is no exception. It simply says: "For Long Service" on the reverse with the SNB imagery on the obverse. In fact, I'm not sure the ribbon is original since it seems identical to other service medals I posted above.

This was a "strange bird" organization even less enthusiastic about being under the guidance of the KGB than the Polish security service. Regardless, they put out a few medals and I am always on the lookout for them. Incidentally, if anyone knows of more SNB awards, especially badges modeled after the KGB design - or any design for that matter - please let me know.

Of all the Cold War-created state governments, this one intrigues me the most. Even Andropov admitted that the "Prague Spring" operation by the KGB was one of its lowest points and though he was widely praised as head of the KGB and the man who signed off on the tanks and troops taking Prague in 1968 from the alleged pro-American conspirators at the time, he regretted the action for the remainder of his life.

Phillip

(sorry about the flash in the first photo)