ARMED FORCES LONG SERVICE MEDAL – 5 YEARS

The Armed Forces Long Service Medal (“Sily Zbrojne w Sluzbie Ojczyzny”) was instituted by act of Parliament of May 26, 1951. Conferred to professional officers and NCO’s, for long and meritorious service in the armed forces, as well as to civilians working for the armed forces. The medal is in three grades: gold, silver and bronze. The three grades were initially awarded for 15, 10 and 5 years of service. In 1960 the duration of service required for the gold and silver medal was extended to 25 and 15 years, while the bronze medal was discontinued (the gold medal was never awarded). The regulations were amended again in 1968, the medals began to be conferred by the Minister of National Defense, the years of service for the upper two grades being shortened to 20 and 10 years and the bronze medal for 5 years being restored. Conferment of the medals was temporarily suspended in 1990 but with new regulations of 1995 they are again awarded by the Minister of National Defense. The duration of service required to be eligible for the two highest classes has been extended again to 25 and 15 years.

The medal issued from 1951-1990 is in either gilt, silvered or bronze metal, in the middle there is a non-crowned silver eagle on red enameled background, surroundes by a white enameled circle, circumscribed SILY ZBROJNE W SLUZBIE OJCZYZNY (armed forces in service for the country), and with a small five pointed star at the bottom. The whole is surrounded by a gilt, silver or bronze laurel wreath, superimposed on two crosses swords. At the bottom of the wreath there is a red enameled oval shield with Roman numerals XV, X, V (1951-1960), XXV, XV (1960-1968), or XX, X, V (1968-1990). The reverse is plain.

Since 1996 the medal has been issued as above, but without the oval bottom shield and the eagle in the center has a crown.

Condition: Extra Fine
Unamed
Bronze & Enamel