Medal "For Distinction In Military Service".

[Taz]

Instituted: 24 December 1980. Awarded to both Afghan and Soviet servicemen. Made of Brass.

Notice the similarities between the motives on the Medals compared to their Soviet counterparts.
On the Medal for Gallantry there are Jets and a T-54/55 instead of the older types.
And here is the Afgan Medal for Combat Service next to Tal's Soviet Combat Service 1st Class Medal from the main site.

Eddie.

[Felix]

Here is the reverse. By the way, I'm not sure that this medal is in 2 classes like his soviet counterpart.

[OKP]

Here is the reverse. By the way, I'm not sure that this medal is in 2 classes like his soviet counterpart.

No it isn't.Just one single class...

[Taz]

No it isn't.Just one single class...

Thanks for the confirmation of the one class OKP, is there a copy of the regulations that states this?

Regards Eddie.

[medals73]

Unfortunately, I don't know that anyone has seen any regulations on any of these PDRA awards. Friends have looked around in Kabul on my behalf and, not surprisingly, most records haven't survived 30+ years of invasions and civil wars.

Recipients of this award have told me that there was only the one class (as they showed me their impressive groups that they hoped, someday, to be able to wear again).

[Taz]

Unfortunately, I don't know that anyone has seen any regulations on any of these PDRA awards. Friends have looked around in Kabul on my behalf and, not surprisingly, most records haven't survived 30+ years of invasions and civil wars.

Recipients of this award have told me that there was only the one class (as they showed me their impressive groups that they hoped, someday, to be able to wear again).

Thanks Ed,

As this seems to pretty much confirm what OKP wrote I have changed the title to simply Medal for Combat Service.

Regards Eddie

[medals73]

Document. Unfortunately, to a Soviet, but for obvious reasons they are more common than those to Afghans. I suspect most Afghan recipients have had to hide or destroy their PDRA awards.

[medals73]

Medal for Distinguished Military Service

The design is similar to, and almost certainly derived from, the Soviet Union’s Military for Distinguished Military Service (but with legend in Dari rather than Russian and a more ornate suspension device). There is, however, only a single class.

[CtahhR]

It may not be the prettiest example but it is proof that even as "Western" troops prepare to pull out, awards are still being offered in Afghanistan. I'm hoping to see some more this year.

[CtahhR]

"Turned out nice again!".

The design represents (from 12 O'clock);

Air Force, Artillery, Medical, Signals and Armoured troops.