Military medals awarded to members of the NVA and Grenztruppen
The Kampforden, Verdienstmedaille and Medaille Waffenbrüderschaft were awarded in three levels (Gold, Silver and Bronce). Members of the Grenztruppen were awarded the same Kampforden and Waffenbrüderschaft medal as members of the NVA. The Verdienstmedaille awarded to members of the Grenztruppen had a different writing on it: in stead of 'Nationale Volksarmee' 'Grenztruppen der DDR'. It also has green edges on the ribbonbar.
The medal for 5 (bronce), 10 (silver), 15 (gold) and 20 (gold with XX) of service that was awarded had just like the Verdienstmedaille a different writing on the medal 'Nationale Volksarmee' 'Grenztruppen der DDR'. The ribbon(bar) was the same.
Possible medals for each rank:
Soldat/Matrose/Gefreiter/Obermatrose/Stabsgefreiter/Stabsmatrose: no medals
Unteroffizier/
Bronce, Silver and Gold Verdienst (merit) medals of the Grenztruppen
Bronce, Silver and Gold Verdienst (merit) medals of the Grenztruppen
The medal for 5 (bronce), 10 (silver), 15 (gold) and 20 (gold with XX) of service that was awarded had just like the Verdienstmedaille a different writing on the front side of the medal :'Nationale Volksarmee' 'or Grenztruppen der DDR'. The ribbon(bar) was exactly the same.
5, 10, 15 and 25 years of service medal of the NVA
5, 10, 15 and 25 years of service medal of the Grenztruppen
It's a challenge for every starting collector to put the right medals on the right uniform. Of course there were some exceptions but maybe the following suggestions can help you finishing your uniform. These are my suggestions based on the most common situation.