Russian Federation Medal for Valour in Silver

[TacHel]

Instituted on 7 March 2000. Awarded to members of the penal correction system of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation and to other citizens of the Russian Federation for direct involvement in anti-terrorist operations, to restore constitutional order and the legitimate rights of the citizens of the Russian Federation; for active assistance to agencies and bodies of the penitentiary system in the anti-terrorist operations to restore constitutional order and the legitimate rights of the citizens of the Russian Federation.

[jasmor58]

Interesting and attractive medal. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Jasmor58

[Gaffken]

Just conjecture, but I would guess the large majority of these awards (and other grades of the same) likely stem from service or operations in Chechnya. The 'anti-terrorist' mention and the March 2000 date are keys...March was at the height of the second Chechen conflict, where large numbers of Justice Ministry Spetsnaz units were already being employed in the region. The Russians were scraping to pull together any viable combat units that they could to deploy to Chechnya back then, so that's why you'll see some otherwise unconventional ministries employing their forces in the conflict at the time (in fact, there were about 12 different ministries with armed troops in Russia aside from the Ministry of Defense at the time...)

[TacHel]

Once again, great info Gaffken! When I first found this medal and the decree governing its award, I simply couldn't understand how a member of the penal system could get mixed up in anti terrorism operations until you explained the transfer of the special intervention teams to this very ministry.

Great info that sheds light on this award! Keep this kind of info coming, it is very appreciated!