Army General Margelov Medal

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Army General Margelov Medal

The Army General Margelov Medal is a Russian military award created by the Ministry of Defence on May 6, 2005. It is named after Vasily Margelov, a celebrated former commander of the Soviet Airborne Troops (VDV). The medal honors long and good service by both military and civilian personnel in the Russian Airborne Troops.

Who can receive it
- VDV military personnel: 15+ years of good service, if they have previously received the For Merit decoration of the Airborne Troops.
- VDV civilian personnel: more than 20 years of good service.
- VDV veterans in reserve or retired: more than 25 years of service.
- Military or civilian personnel of the Russian Armed Forces for contributions to the development of the VDV.

Order of wear
The Margelov Medal is worn after the Army General Khrulev Medal.

Design and appearance
- The medal is 32 mm in diameter and gilt.
- Obverse: a portrait of Vasily Margelov, with tanks and aircraft dropping paratroopers; the top inscription reads “Army General Margelov” (in Russian), and below is a relief of three howitzers and three BMD vehicles.
- Reverse: the Airborne Troops emblem in the center, with “Ministry of Defence” at the top and “Russian Federation” at the bottom.
- Suspension: a ring attaches the medal to a pentagonal mount, which is covered by a 24 mm wide silk moiré ribbon. The ribbon’s pattern has a left half with a 2 mm black edge and a yellow center, and a right half in blue.