Soviet Decoration "For Combat Duty in Air Defense Forces"

[TacHel]

Awarded to soldiers of Army Air Defense Forces that possess at minimum a first class training qualification, for exemplary performance in military duties on air defense alert crews: for firing solutions while employed in command and control alert crews for at least 5 years; for support and logistical tasks while attached to alert crews for at least 6 years. Commanders of air defense units that rate as "excellent" may also be awarded the badge.

Note: although I found the write up for award prerequisites, I was unable to find the order of institution of this award. Colleagues tell me it came out in the 80s but could not be more specific. Does anybody have more info?

Edited March 23, 2010 by TacHel

[TacHel]

I found the order: Instituted on 31 March 1975 by order 81 of the minister of defense of the USSR.

Edited March 25, 2010 by TacHel