In the upper obverse, a ruby-red enamelled 19.2 mm wide five pointed star with a silver hammer and sickle at its center.

Below the star, the inscription in two rows of sunken and red enamelled 2.8 mm high letters "FOR VALOUR LABOUR" (Russian: «ЗА ТРУДОВУЮ ДОБЛЕСТЬ»), at the very bottom, the relief inscription in 3.3 mm high letters "USSR" (Russian: «СССР»).

On the otherwise plain reverse, the relief inscription on two rows of 2.5 mm high letters "LABOUR IN THE USSR - A MATTER OF HONOUR" (Russian: «ТРУД В СССР — ДЕЛО ЧЕСТИ»).

[2] Early awards hung from a small triangular mount covered with a red ribbon with a threaded stub and screw for attachment to clothing.

1938–19431938–19431943–19911943–1991ObverseReverseObverseReverseThe first investiture took place on January 15, 1939, where the Medal "For Labour Valour" was presented to 22 employees of the Kalinin armaments plant number 8 for exceptional service to the country in the creation and development of new weapons for the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army.