The award medal “In Memory of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878” was instituted by decree of Emperor Alexander II from April 17, 1878. The regulations specify three types of medals: silver, light bronze, and dark bronze. The design was identical for all types and the emperor approved it on September 14, 1878.

Medals were presented to various categories of recipients. The silver medal was bestowed upon all ranks of those who served in the troops that defended the Shipka Pass, participated in the assault on the Kars Fortress, and defended the Bayazet Fortress during its siege. The medals were manufactured at the St. Petersburg Mint in a large batch, over 83,000 pieces.

The light bronze medal was awarded to all ranks of the military, from generals to soldiers, as well as members of the naval and militia departments, volunteers, and Bulgarian militiamen who directly participated in combat operations against the Ottoman Empire in 1877–1878 in the Danube region, the Balkan Peninsula, the Black Sea, and the Caucasus. It was also awarded to officials from military and civilian departments who were stationed with the troops and participated in battles with weapons in hand. The medal was also given to all medical professionals and clergy who served during the war. More than 635,000 of these medals were made.

The dark bronze medal was intended for members of the military, irrespective of rank, including Bulgarian militiamen, volunteers, sailors, medical personnel, officials, and priests who did not directly participate in combat but were present on the territory of the Ottoman Empire and Romania during the war, as well as in regions of Russia under martial law. In addition, it could be awarded to individuals, irrespective of their social status, who demonstrated exceptional service during the conflict. Over 335,000 such medals were produced.

The exhibition includes silver and light bronze medals. Nikolai Stoletov was awarded a silver medal for his participation in the battles at Shipka, while Dmitry Stoletov received a light bronze medal for directly participating in combat.