An LED includes a light-generating semiconductor region having an active layer sandwiched between two confining layers of opposite conductivity types for generating light. A cathode is arranged centrally on one of the opposite major surfaces of the semiconductor region from which is emitted the light. A reflector of electroconductive material is formed on the other major surface of the semiconductor region for reflecting the light back toward the light-emitting surface of the semiconductor region. For protecting the LED against breakdown from overvoltages, a zener diode is employed which takes the form of a baseplate having two semiconductor regions of opposite conductivity types sandwiched between a pair of electrodes in the form of metal layers. The protector baseplate is integrated with the light-generating semiconductor region by joining one of the metal layers to the reflector under heat and pressure, thus serving as both mechanical support and overvoltage protector for the LED.