History

The Irreproachable Service in the Armed Forces of the USSR Medal was established on September 14, 1957. The I Class medal was conferred upon members of the Armed Forces of the USSR in recognition of 20 years of service.

The Ministry of Defense of the USSR awarded the medals to servicemen of the Soviet Army and Navy. These medal were established on January 25, 1958 and were awarded until 1991. The I Class/ 20 year medal has three variations. Variation I is made of silver and the star with the hammer and sickle in the center is red-enamelled. Variation II is made of silver-plated brass with the star on the obverse red-enamelled. Variation III is made of silver but does not have any enamel.

The Chairman of the Committee of State Security of the USSR (KGB) awarded the medals to border guards and other troops under KGB control. This medal has a separate MedalBook entrance.

The I Class is composed of silver and enamel. All the medals measure 32mm in diameter and the 12 o'clock ring is made as a part of the medal.

The reverse Russian inscription translates to: "For 20 Years of Irreproachable Service" and "Armed Forces". The reverse also features the Cyrillic script for the USSR.