The Medal "For Distinction in Military Service" was established on October 28, 1974 by Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet.

[1] The Medal "For Distinction in Military Service" was worn on the right side of the chest following the orders of the USSR.

Five shields bearing the emblems of the main branches of the service filled the gaps between its arms.

The obverse bore a central concave medallion bearing the relief images of a soldier, sailor and airman.

The plain reverse only bore the mark of the Moscow Mint "MMD" (Russian: «ММД») at the bottom.