A good original WWII Soviet Combat Service Medal here, with early low serial number of 179,188. This medal has been researched and is attributed to Major Aleksandr Alekseevich Purshnev, it was awarded in 1943. Purshnev served as the Deputy Commander of 4th Machine Gun Training Battalion, Jr. Lieutenants' Courses, Western Front. 
 
His citation reads:
 
"Comrade Purshnev is a strong willed, politically literate political worker. He works a great deal on strengthening discipline among the cadets of the machine gun battalion, on their combat and political training. Comrade Purshev has served at the course since the day of their organization. For all graduating classes, cadets have received only "good" and "excellent" marks. He devotes great attention to the matter of living conditions of the cadets. The battalion in which Comrade Purshnev serves is one of the best units in military and political training. For success in training command cadres for the front, he deserves the government award the Medal For Combat Merits."
 
Scans (7) of archival documents + scan of 1 portrait will be emailed to the buyer, along with a translation of the citation for this award.
 
The Combat Service Medal was a Soviet military medal awarded for "combat action resulting in a military success", "courageous defense of the state borders", or "successful military and political training and preparation".