The Medal "For Distinguished Labour" (Russian: Медаль «За трудовое отличие») was a civilian labour award of the Soviet Union bestowed to especially deserving workers to recognise and honour high performances in labour or contributions in the fields of science, culture or the manufacturing industry. In just over fifty years of existence, it was bestowed to over two million deserving citizens. It was established on 27 December 1938 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. Its statute was amended three times by further decrees, firstly on 19 June 1943 to amend its description and ribbon, then on 16 December 1947 to amend its regulations, and finally on 18 July 1980 to confirm all previous amendments. The medal ceased to be awarded following the December 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union. Source: Wikipedia (en)