Megan

1st Type, Silver Medal:

Artur-Becker-Medaille Instituted in 1960 and awarded to members of the FDJ for exemplary service. It was the organisation's highest award, and came in 3 classes (Gold, Silver and Bronze). Like many such awards, it came in 2 types: the first with a metal/enamel suspension, the second with a cloth-covered one. 1st Type, Gold Medal:

2nd Type, Silver Medal: [Picture credits: Greg Collins & Wikipedia Commons]

Ernst-Schneller-Medaille Instituted 1961 and awarded to members of the GST (Gesellschaft für Sport und Technik - Society for Sport and Technology) for exemplary service. It was the organisation's highest award, and came in 3 classes (Gold, Silver and Bronze). Like many such awards, it's found in 2 types - the first suspended from a metal/enamel bar and the second from a cloth-covered one. Sorry, not many pictures this time! 1st Type, Bronze Medal:

The full-time ones do. These awards were for part-timers, 'volunteers' (mostly paid but not their day job), and also people living in border areas who participated in sort of neighbourhood watch type activities, keeping an eye on things.

Ehrentitel Aktivist der Fünfjahrplanes Unfortunately I don't know much about this one! [Picture credit: Greg Collins]

Most kind, dear heart... and you do post some lovely stuff! May I have your full name for the acknowledgements, please - PM if you don't want to say it publically!

Any chance you'd permit the use of that picture on my site, Eddie?

Here is the Bronze Medal for 10 Years (1960-70: 25 years): [Picture credit: Greg Collins]

Here is the Silver Medal for 20 Years (1960-70: 40 years, 1971-72: 25 years):

Treuedienstmedaille der Deutschen Post Instituted on 13 October 1960, with the gold clasp for the longest length of service being introduced on 19 November 1971. It was awarded for faithful service in the Postal Service, in 4 classes based on length of service. Here is the Gold Medal for 30 Years (1960-70: 50 years for men and 40 for women, 1971-72: 40 years):

This is the Bronze Medal: [Picture credit: Greg Collins]

This is the Silver Medal:

Verdienstmedaille der Deutschen Post Instituted 19 November 1970, and awarded for outstanding achievements in the development or support of post and telecommunications in 3 classes (Gold, Silver and Bronze). This is the Gold Medal:

5 Years: [Picture credit: Greg Collins]

10 Years:

15 Years:

20 Years:

25 Years:

Medaille für Treue Dienste freiwilliger Helfer beim Schutz der Staatsgrenze der DDR Instituted 5 December 1986, and awarded for loyal and conscientious voluntary service guarding borders in 6 classes (for service of 30 years, 25 years, 20 years, 15 years, 10 years and 5 years respectively). 30 Years:

The first one - blue with a black-edged yellow stripe - is the Medal for Overseas Service, instituted 1996. I only have a rather mangy picture (sorry!):

10 Years: [Picture credit: Greg Collins]

20 Years:

30 Years:

Medaille für langjährige Pflichterfüllung zur Stärkung der Landesverteidigung der DDR Instituted 8 August 1974, and awarded for long service showing devotion to duty and exemplary performance in state-owned enterprises and institutions which producted material for national defense purposes in 4 classes (35/40 years, 30 years, 20 years and 10 years). It's unusual amongst East German awards in that the highest class is awarded for 40 years' service by a man but only 35 years; service by a woman. 35/40 Years: