History

The decoration was instituted in December 26, 1967 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. Over 9,500,000 people received this award.

This medal was conferred upon all ranks served in the Armed Forces, Ministry of Preserving Public Order, Committee for State Security, with the exception of first-term soldiers.

The medal is made of brass and measures 37mm. There is a ring at 12 o'clock for the five sided suspension. The obverse shows the upper torso of a 1968 Soviet era next to a 1918 era Red Army soldier, both facing left, in the center of a red enamel star.

The obverse Russian inscription translates to: "Fifty Years of the Armed Forces of the USSR".