Medal For Loyal Service In The Armed Organs Of The Ministry Of Interior.

[CtahhR]

The Ribbon Bar

[CtahhR]

For 20 Years.

[CtahhR]

The Ribbon Bar.

[Greg Collins]

Here's the first version of the 5 year award. It was awarded for one year (1955) prior to being changed to the medal pictured in Post #1. In 1955 there were only two levels awarded- 5 and 10 year. Both were bronze, with the 10 year bearing a II below the shield and the 5 year bearing a III. As you can see, the medal itself is much larger in size than later versions. In case with ribbon bar.

[Ralph Pickard]

Greg - I have found these early medals interesting from the stand point of the hooking mechanism on the back of the medal, compared to other DDR medals hooking mechanism.

[Greg Collins]

Yeah, Ralph. Much more secure than later types, and not unlike the securing mechanism currently used for US medals. I have heard this type refered to as "full closure".