MOSCOW. May 19 (Interfax-AVN) - Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov has established the medal "For Combat Merits", a Defense Ministry spokesman said on Monday.
Servicemen will be awarded the medal for merits, courage and self-sacrifice displayed in the accomplishment of missions in combat conditions and in special operations under circumstances posing a risk for human lives, the spokesman told Interfax- Military News Agency.
The defense minister's order reads that servicemen can be awarded for skilful, enterprising and determined actions contributing to the accomplishment of combat missions and for successful management of subordinates' actions in combat circumstances.
The award is given by the defense minister or other officials acting on his instruction. Servicemen cannot be awarded this medal twice.
The medal is positioned after Russian state awards, but before all other medals of the Defense Ministry.
In addition to the inscription "For Combat Merits," the face of the medal depicts a plane, helicopter, tank, and infantry fighting vehicle.