State awards established during the Second World War. The main awards of the great patriotic war
ORDERS AND MEDALS OF THE WORLD
Military awards are the brightest monuments of our military history, reminiscent of the glorious pages of the struggle against the enemies of the Fatherland.
MEDAL "GOLDEN STAR" OF THE HERO OF THE SOVIET UNION
Established: April 16, 1934
First awarded: April 20, 1934
Last awarded: 24 December 1991
Number of awards: 12772
The highest degree of distinction of the USSR. An honorary title, which was awarded for the performance of a feat or outstanding service during hostilities, as well as, as an exception, in peacetime.
The title was first established by the Decree of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR of April 16, 1934, an additional insignia for the Hero Soviet Union- Medal "Gold Star" - established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated August 1, 1939.
On April 16, 1934, by a decree of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR, the title of Hero of the Soviet Union was established in the wording: "To establish the highest degree of distinction - conferring the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for personal or collective services to the state associated with the performance of a heroic deed." No insignia were provided, only a diploma from the Central Executive Committee of the USSR was issued.
All eleven pilots - the first Heroes of the Soviet Union - were awarded the Order of Lenin. The practice of awarding was enshrined in the Resolution of the CEC in the Regulations on the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on July 29, 1936. In this edition, citizens awarded the title, in addition to the diploma, were also entitled to the Order of Lenin.
By the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of August 1, 1939, a special distinctive sign was introduced for the Heroes of the Soviet Union - the “Hero of the Soviet Union” medal. Another decree of October 16, 1939 approved the appearance of the medal, which was named "Gold Star". In contrast to the original Regulation, it was now possible to reward the Gold Star multiple times. Twice the Hero of the Soviet Union was awarded the second Gold Star medal and a bronze bust was erected for him in his homeland. Three times the Hero of the Soviet Union was awarded the third Gold Star medal, and his bronze bust is to be installed at the Palace of Soviets in Moscow. The issuance of the Orders of Lenin when awarding the second and third medals was not provided. The decree did not say anything about the awarding of the title for the 4th time, as well as about the possible number of awards for one person.
The numbering of medals for the first, second and third awards was separate. Since the construction of the grandiose Palace of the Soviets in Moscow was not completed due to the war, the busts of the Heroes were erected three times in the Kremlin.
MEDAL "FOR BATTLE SERVICE"
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of October 17, 1938.
The Medal "For Military Merit" was awarded to:
... servicemen of the Soviet Army, Navy, border and internal troops
... other citizens of the USSR,
... as well as persons who are not citizens of the USSR.
The medal was awarded to distinguished persons for:
... For skillful, proactive and courageous actions in battle that contributed to the successful fulfillment of combat missions by a military unit or subunit;
... For the courage shown in the defense of the state border of the USSR;
... For excellent successes in combat and political training, mastering new military equipment and maintaining high combat readiness of military units and their subunits and other merits during the passage of a military service.
The Medal "For Military Merit" is worn on the left side of the chest and, in the presence of other USSR medals, is placed after the Ushakov medal.
As of January 1, 1995, the medal "For Military Merit" was awarded 5,210,078.
MEDAL OF HONOR"
Diameter - 37 mm
Established: October 17, 1938
Number of awards: 4,000,000
State award of the USSR and Russian Federation... It was established on October 17, 1938 to reward the soldiers of the Red Army, the Navy and the Border Guard for personal courage and bravery in battles against the enemies of the Soviet Union while protecting the inviolability of state borders or when fighting saboteurs, spies and other enemies of the Soviet state. Among the first to be awarded this medal were border guards N. Gulyaev and F. Grigoriev, who detained a group of saboteurs near Lake Khasan. By the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Russian Federation of March 2, 1992 No. 2424-1, the medal was retained in the system of awards of the Russian Federation. Established again by the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation dated March 2, 1994 No. 442.
The Medal "For Courage" is awarded to servicemen, as well as employees of the internal affairs bodies of the Russian Federation and other citizens of the Russian Federation for personal courage and bravery shown by:
... in battles while protecting the Russian Federation and its state interests;
... when performing special tasks to ensure the state security of the Russian Federation;
... while protecting the state border of the Russian Federation;
... in the performance of military, service or civil duty, protection of the constitutional rights of citizens in conditions associated with a risk to life.
The Medal For Courage is worn on the left side of the chest and, if there are other medals of the Russian Federation, it is placed after the medal of the Order of Merit to the Fatherland, II degree.
MEDAL "FOR DEFENSE OF LENINGRAD"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - brass
Number of awards: 1,470,000
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated December 22, 1942. The author of the project of the medal is the artist N.I. Moskalev.
All participants in the defense of Leningrad were awarded the medal "For the Defense of Leningrad":
... servicemen of units, formations and institutions of the Red Army, the Navy and the NKVD troops, who actually participated in the defense of the city;
... workers, employees and other persons from civilian population, who participated in hostilities to protect the city, contributed to the defense of the city with their selfless work at enterprises, institutions, participated in the construction of defensive structures, in air defense, in the protection of communal services, in the fight against fires from enemy air raids, in the organization and maintenance of transport and communication, in the organization Catering, supply and cultural and consumer services for the population, in caring for the sick and wounded, in organizing childcare and other measures to defend the city.
The medal "For the Defense of Leningrad" is worn on the left side of the chest and, in the presence of other medals of the USSR, is placed after the medal "For the rescue of drowning people".
Persons awarded the medal "For the Defense of Leningrad" have the right to be awarded the later established jubilee medal "In Commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of Leningrad".
In 1985, the medal "For the Defense of Leningrad" was awarded to about 1,470,000 people. Among them there are 15 thousand blockade children and adolescents.
MEDAL "FOR THE DEFENSE OF ODESSA"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - brass
Date of establishment: December 22, 1942
Number of awards: 30,000
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated December 22, 1942. The author of the medal drawing is the artist N.I. Moskalev.
The medal "For the Defense of Odessa" was awarded to all participants in the defense of Odessa - servicemen of the Red Army, the Navy and the NKVD troops, as well as civilians who were directly involved in the defense. The period of defense of Odessa is considered August 10 - October 16, 1941.
The medal was presented on behalf of the USSR PVS on the basis of documents certifying actual participation in the defense of Odessa, issued by unit commanders, heads of military medical institutions, Odessa regional and city Soviets of Working People's Deputies.
The medal "For the Defense of Odessa" is worn on the left side of the chest and, if there are other medals of the USSR, it is placed after the medal "For the Defense of Moscow".
In 1985, the medal "For the Defense of Odessa" was awarded to about 30,000 people.
MEDAL "FOR DEFENSE OF SEVASTOPOL"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - brass
Established: December 22, 1942
Number of awards: 52540
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated December 22, 1942. The author of the approved design of the medal is the artist N.I. Moskalev.
The medal "For the Defense of Sevastopol" was awarded to all participants in the defense of Sevastopol - servicemen of the Red Army, the Navy and the NKVD troops, as well as civilians who were directly involved in the defense. The defense of Sevastopol lasted 250 days, from October 30, 1941 to July 4, 1942.
The medal "For the Defense of Sevastopol" is worn on the left side of the chest and, in the presence of other medals of the USSR, is placed after the medal "For the Defense of Odessa".
As of January 1, 1995, the medal "For the Defense of Sevastopol" was awarded to approximately 52,540 people.
MEDAL "FOR DEFENSE OF STALINGRAD"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - brass
Date of establishment: December 22, 1942
Number of awards: 759560
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated December 22, 1942. The author of the medal drawing is the artist N.I. Moskalev
The medal "For the Defense of Stalingrad" was awarded to all participants in the defense of Stalingrad - servicemen of the Red Army, the Navy and the NKVD troops, as well as civilians who were directly involved in the defense. The period of the defense of Stalingrad is considered to be July 12 - November 19, 1942.
The medal "For the Defense of Stalingrad" is worn on the left side of the chest and, in the presence of other medals of the USSR, is placed after the medal "For the Defense of Sevastopol".
As of January 1, 1995, the medal "For the Defense of Stalingrad" was awarded to approximately 759,560 people.
MEDAL "FOR DEFENSE OF THE CAUCASUS"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - brass
Number of awards: 870,000
The medal "For the Defense of the Caucasus" was awarded to all participants in the defense of the Caucasus - servicemen of the Red Army, the Navy and the NKVD troops, as well as civilians who were directly involved in the defense.
The medal "For the Defense of the Caucasus" is worn on the left side of the chest and, if there are other medals of the USSR, it is placed after the medal "For the Defense of Kiev".
In 1985, the medal "For the Defense of the Caucasus" was awarded to about 870,000 people.
MEDAL FOR DEFENSE OF MOSCOW
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - brass
Established: May 1, 1944
Number of awards: 1,028,600
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated May 1, 1944. The author of the medal drawing is the artist N.I. Moskalev.
The Medal "For the Defense of Moscow" was awarded to all participants in the defense of Moscow:
... all servicemen and civilian personnel of the Soviet Army and NKVD troops who participated in the defense of Moscow for at least one month during the period from October 19, 1941 to January 25, 1942;
... civilians who were directly involved in the defense of Moscow for at least one month during the period from October 19, 1941 to January 25, 1942;
... servicemen of the Moscow air defense zone and air defense units, as well as civilians - the most active participants in the defense of Moscow against enemy air raids from July 22, 1941 to January 25, 1942;
... servicemen and civilians from the population of the city of Moscow and the Moscow region who received Active participation in the construction of defensive lines and structures of the defensive line of the Reserve Front, the Mozhaisk, Podolsk lines and the Moscow bypass.
... partisans of the Moscow region and active participants in the defense of the hero-city of Tula.
The medal "For the Defense of Moscow" is worn on the left side of the chest and, if other medals of the USSR are present, it is placed after the medal "For the Defense of Leningrad".
As of January 1, 1995, the medal "For the Defense of Moscow" was awarded to approximately 1,028,600 people.
MEDAL "FOR THE DEFENSE OF THE SOVIET ZAPOLARS"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - brass
Established: December 5, 1944
Number of awards: 353,240
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated December 5, 1944. The author of the image of the medal is Lieutenant Colonel V. Alov with modifications by the artist A. I. Kuznetsov.
The medal "For the Defense of the Soviet Arctic" was awarded to all participants in the defense of the Arctic - servicemen of the Red Army, the Navy and the NKVD troops, as well as civilians who were directly involved in the defense. The period of defense of the Soviet Arctic is considered June 22, 1941 - November 1944.
The medal "For the Defense of the Soviet Arctic" is worn on the left side of the chest and, if there are other medals of the USSR, it is placed after the medal "For the Defense of the Caucasus".
As of January 1, 1995, the medal "For the Defense of the Soviet Arctic" was awarded to approximately 353,240 people.
MEDAL "FOR DEFENSE OF KIEV"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - brass
Established: June 21, 1961
Number of awards: 107,540
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated June 21, 1961. The author of the project of the medal is the artist V. N. Atlantov.
The medal "For the Defense of Kiev" was awarded to all participants in the defense of Kiev - servicemen of the Soviet Army and the troops of the former NKVD, as well as all workers who took part in the defense of Kiev in the ranks of the people's militia, at the construction of defensive fortifications, working in factories and plants serving the needs of the front, members of the Kiev underground and partisans who fought with the enemy near Kiev. The period of defense of Kiev is considered July - September 1941.
The medal "For the Defense of Kiev" is worn on the left side of the chest and, in the presence of other medals of the USSR, is placed after the medal "For the Defense of Stalingrad".
As of January 1, 1995, the medal "For the Defense of Kiev" was awarded to approximately 107,540 people.
MEDAL "FOR THE LIBERATION OF BELGRADE"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - brass
Number of awards: 70,000
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on June 9, 1945. The project of the medal was created by the artist A.I. Kuznetsov.
The medal "For the Liberation of Belgrade" is awarded to servicemen of the Red Army, the Navy and the NKVD troops who were direct participants in the heroic assault and liberation of Belgrade from September 29 to October 22, 1944, as well as organizers and leaders of military operations during the liberation of this city.
The medal "For the Liberation of Belgrade" is worn on the left side of the chest and, if there are other medals of the USSR, it is placed after the medal "For the capture of Berlin".
The medal "For the Liberation of Belgrade" was awarded to about 70,000 people.
MEDAL "FOR THE LIBERATION OF WARSAW"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - brass
Date of establishment: June 9, 1945
Number of awards: 701,700
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated June 9, 1945. The author of the project of the medal is the artist Kuritsyna.
As of January 1, 1995, the medal “For the Liberation of Warsaw” had been awarded to approximately 701,700 people.
The medal "For the Liberation of Warsaw" is awarded to the servicemen of the Red Army, the Navy and the NKVD troops who were direct participants in the heroic assault and liberation of Warsaw from January 14-17, 1945, as well as organizers and leaders of military operations during the liberation of this city.
The medal is presented on behalf of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on the basis of documents certifying actual participation in the liberation of Warsaw, issued by the commanders of units and heads of military medical institutions.
Delivery is made:
... persons in the military units of the Red Army and the Navy - the commanders of military units;
... persons who retired from the army and navy - regional, city and district military commissars at the place of residence of the awarded.
The medal "For the Liberation of Warsaw" is worn on the left side of the chest and, if other medals of the USSR are available, it is placed after the medal "For the Liberation of Belgrade".
MEDAL "FOR THE LIBERATION OF PRAGUE"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - brass
Date of establishment: June 9, 1945
Number of awards: 395,000
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated June 9, 1945. The authors of the medal drawing are the artist A.I. Kuznetsov and the artist Skorzhinskaya.
The Medal "For the Liberation of Prague" is awarded to the servicemen of the Red Army, the Navy and the NKVD troops - direct participants in the heroic assault and liberation of Prague from May 3 to 9, 1945, as well as organizers and leaders of military operations during the liberation of this city.
The medal "For the Liberation of Prague" is worn on the left side of the chest and, if there are other medals of the USSR, it is placed after the medal "For the Liberation of Warsaw".
As of 1962, the medal "For the Liberation of Prague" was awarded to over 395,000 people.
MEDAL "FOR TAKING BERLIN"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - brass
Date of establishment: June 9, 1945
Number of awards: 1,100,000
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on June 9, 1945 in honor of the capture of Berlin during the Great Patriotic War.
According to the Regulations on the medal "For the capture of Berlin" it was awarded "Military personnel Soviet Army, Navy and NKVD troops are direct participants in the heroic assault and capture of Berlin, as well as organizers and leaders of military operations in the capture of this city. "
In total, more than 1.1 million people were awarded the medal "For the capture of Berlin".
Medal "For the capture of Berlin" - round, 32 mm in diameter, made of brass. On the obverse of the medal in the center there is an inscription “For the capture of Berlin”. Along the lower edge of the medal is an image of an oak half-wreath entwined in the middle with a ribbon. There is a five-pointed asterisk above the inscription. The medal is bordered on the obverse side. On the reverse side of the medal the date of the capture of Berlin by Soviet troops is minted: "May 2, 1945"; below is a five-pointed asterisk. All inscriptions and images on the obverse and on the reverse side of the medal are convex. In the upper part of the medal there is an eyelet, which connects the medal with a ring to a metal pentagonal block, which serves to attach the medal to clothing. The shoe is covered with a 24 mm wide red silk moire ribbon. In the middle of the tape there are five stripes - three black and two orange.
MEDAL "FOR TAKING BUDAPEST"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - brass
Date of establishment: June 9, 1945
Number of awards: 362,050
The medal "For the capture of Budapest" was awarded to the servicemen of the Red Army, the Navy and the NKVD troops - direct participants in the heroic assault and capture of Budapest in the period December 20, 1944 - February 15, 1945, as well as organizers and leaders of military operations during the capture of this city.
The medal "For the capture of Budapest" is worn on the left side of the chest and, if there are other medals of the USSR, it is placed after the medal "For the victory over Japan".
As of January 1, 1995, the medal “For the capture of Budapest” was awarded to approximately 362,050 people.
MEDAL "FOR TAKING VIENNA"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - brass
Date of establishment: June 9, 1945
Number of awards: 277 380
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on June 9, 1945 in honor of the capture of Vienna during the Great Patriotic War.
The medal "For the capture of Vienna" is awarded to the servicemen of the Red Army, the Navy and the NKVD troops - direct participants in the assault and capture of Vienna in the period March 16 - April 13, 1945, as well as organizers and leaders of military operations during the capture of this city.
The medal "For the capture of Vienna" is worn on the left side of the chest and, if there are other medals of the USSR, it is placed after the medal "For the capture of Konigsberg".
As of January 1, 1995, the medal "For the capture of Vienna" was awarded to approximately 277,380 people.
MEDAL "FOR TAKING KENIGSBERG"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - brass
Date of establishment: June 9, 1945
Number of awards: 760,000
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated June 9, 1945. The author of the project of the medal is the artist A. I. Kuznetsov.
The medal "For the capture of Konigsberg" is awarded to the servicemen of the Red Army, the Navy and the NKVD troops - direct participants in the heroic assault and capture of Konigsberg in the period January 23 - April 10, 1945, as well as organizers and leaders of military operations during the capture of this city.
The medal "For the capture of Konigsberg" is worn on the left side of the chest and, if there are other medals of the USSR, it is placed after the medal "For the capture of Budapest".
In 1987, the medal "For the capture of Konigsberg" was awarded to about 760,000 people.
MEDAL "FOR VICTORY OVER GERMANY IN THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR 1941-1945"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - brass
Date of establishment: June 9, 1945
Number of awards: 14,933,000
Medal "For Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945." established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on May 9, 1945. The authors of the medal are the artists E. M. Romanov and I. K. Andrianov.
Medal "For Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945." were awarded:
... all servicemen and civilian personnel who took direct part in the ranks of the Red Army, the Navy and the NKVD troops on the fronts of the Patriotic War or ensured victory by their work in military districts;
... all servicemen and civilian personnel who served during the Great Patriotic War in the ranks of the active Red Army, the Navy and the NKVD troops, but who left them due to injury, illness and injury, as well as transferred by decision of state and party organizations to another work outside the army.
Medal "For Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945." worn on the left side of the chest and, if other medals of the USSR are available, is placed after the medal "For the Defense of the Soviet Arctic."
As of January 1, 1995, the medal "For Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945." approximately 14,933,000 people were awarded.
MEDAL "FOR VICTORY OVER JAPAN"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - brass
Established: September 30, 1945
Number of awards: 1,800,000
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated September 30, 1945. The author of the project of the medal is the artist Lukina M.L.
The medal "For Victory over Japan" is awarded to:
... all servicemen and personnel of the civilian staff of units and formations of the Red Army, the Navy and the NKVD troops who took a direct part in hostilities against the Japanese imperialists as part of the troops of the 1st Far Eastern, 2nd Far Eastern and Transbaikal fronts, the Pacific Fleet and the Amur river flotilla;
... military personnel central offices NKO, NKVMF and NKVD, which took part in the support of hostilities Soviet troops in the Far East.
The medal "For Victory over Japan" is worn on the left side of the chest and, if other medals of the USSR are present, it is placed after the jubilee medal "Forty Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945." Interestingly, Stalin looks to the right (towards Japan), while in the medal "For Victory over Germany" he looks to the left (towards Germany).
The total number of those awarded with the medal "For the victory over Japan" is about 1,800,000 people.
MEDAL "FOR GOOD WORK IN THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR 1941-1945"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - copper
Established: June 6, 1945
Number of awards: 16 096 750
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated June 6, 1945. The authors of the drawing of the medal are the artists I. K. Andrianov and E. M. Romanov.
Medal "For Valiant Labor in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945." are awarded:
... workers, engineering and technical personnel and employees of industry and transport;
... collective farmers and agricultural specialists;
... workers in science, technology, art and literature;
... workers of Soviet, party, trade union and other public organizations - who ensured the victory of the Soviet Union over Germany in the Great Patriotic War with their valiant and selfless labor.
Medal "For Valiant Labor in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945." worn on the left side of the chest and, if other medals of the USSR are present, it is placed after the medal "For the Liberation of Prague".
As of January 1, 1995, the medal "For Valiant Labor in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945." approximately 16096750 people were awarded.
I degree
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - 1st degree - silver
Number of awards: 1st degree - 56,883
MEDAL "TO THE PARTISAN OF THE PATRIOTIC WAR"
II degree
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - 2nd degree - made of brass
Established: February 2, 1943
Number of awards: 2nd degree - 70,992
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on February 2, 1943. The author of the medal drawing is the artist N. I. Moskalev, the drawing is taken from the unrealized project of the medal "25 years of the Soviet Army".
The medal "Partisan of the Patriotic War" was awarded to partisans, the commanding staff of partisan detachments and organizers of the partisan movement for special services in organizing the partisan movement, for courage, heroism and outstanding successes in the partisan struggle for the Soviet Motherland in the rear of the German fascist invaders.
Partisans of the Patriotic War, the commanding staff of partisan detachments and organizers of the partisan movement who have shown courage, perseverance, courage in the partisan struggle for our Soviet Motherland in the rear against the Nazi invaders are awarded the medal "Partisan of the Patriotic War" of the 1st and 2nd degrees.
The medal "Partisan of the Patriotic War" of the 1st and 2nd degree is awarded by the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
The medal "Partisan of the Patriotic War" 1st degree is awarded to partisans, the commanding staff of partisan detachments and organizers of the partisan movement for courage, heroism and outstanding successes in the partisan struggle for our Soviet Motherland in the rear of the German fascist invaders.
The medal "Partisan of the Patriotic War" of the 2nd degree is awarded to partisans, commanding officers of partisan detachments and organizers of the partisan movement for personal military distinction in fulfilling orders and assignments of the command, for active assistance in the partisan struggle against the Nazi invaders.
The highest degree of the medal is the 1st degree.
The medal "Partisan of the Patriotic War" is worn on the left side of the chest and, if other medals of the USSR are available, it is placed after the medal "For Labor Distinction" in the order of seniority of degrees.
Until 1974, this medal was the only medal of the USSR that had 2 degrees. As of January 1, 1995, the medal "Partisan of the Patriotic War" of the 1st degree was awarded to 56,883 people, the 2nd degree - 70,992 people.
NAKHIMOV'S MEDAL
Diameter - 36 mm
Material - bronze
Established: March 3, 1944
Number of awards: 14,000
The medal was designed by the architect M. A. Shepilevsky.
The Nakhimov medal was awarded to sailors and soldiers, foremen and sergeants, warrant officers and warrant officers of the Navy and naval units of the border troops.
The Nakhimov medal was awarded:
... for skillful, proactive and bold actions that contributed to the successful fulfillment of combat missions of ships and units in naval theaters;
... for the courage shown in the defense of the state maritime border THE USSR;
... for the dedication shown in the performance of military duty, or other merits during active military service in conditions fraught with risk to life.
The Nakhimov medal is worn on the left side of the chest and, in the presence of other USSR medals, is located after the medal "For Military Merit".
In total, over 13,000 Nakhimov medals were awarded.
USHAKOV'S MEDAL
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated March 3, 1944.
The Ushakov Medal was awarded to sailors and soldiers, foremen and sergeants, warrant officers and warrant officers of the Navy and the naval units of the border troops for courage and bravery shown in the defense of the socialist Fatherland in naval theaters, both in war and in peacetime.
The Ushakov Medal was awarded for personal courage and courage shown by:
... in battles with the enemies of the socialist Fatherland in maritime theaters;
... while protecting the state sea border of the USSR;
... when performing combat missions of ships and units of the Navy and border troops;
... in the performance of military duty in conditions associated with a risk to life.
The Ushakov medal is worn on the left side of the chest and, if there are other USSR medals, it is placed after the medal "For Courage".
BADGE "GUARD"
On May 21, 1943, the “Guard” badge was instituted for servicemen of units and formations awarded the title of Guards. The artist S.I.Dmitriev was instructed to draw a drawing of the future sign. As a result, a laconic and at the same time expressive project was adopted, representing a five-pointed star framed by a laurel wreath, above it a red banner with the inscription "Guard". On the basis of the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of June 11, 1943, this sign was also placed on the banners of armies and corps that received the rank of guards. The difference was that on the banner of the Guards Army, the sign was depicted in a wreath of oak branches, and on the banner of the Guards Corps - without a wreath.
In total, during the war, until May 9, 1945, the ranks of the guards were awarded: 11 combined arms and 6 tank armies; horse-mechanized group; 40 rifle, 7 cavalry, 12 tank, 9 mechanized and 14 aviation corps; 117 rifle, 9 airborne, 17 cavalry, 6 artillery, 53 air and 6 anti-aircraft artillery divisions; 7 divisions of rocket artillery; many dozens of brigades and regiments. In the Navy, there were 18 surface guards ships, 16 submarines, 13 battalions of combat boats, 2 air divisions, 1 marine brigade and 1 naval railway artillery brigade.
ORDER OF THE RED BANNER
Established September 16, 1918
First award on September 30, 1918
Last award 1991
Number of awards 581 300
Established to reward for special courage, dedication and courage shown in the defense of the socialist Fatherland. The Order of the Red Banner was also awarded to military units, warships, government and public organizations. Until the establishment of the Order of Lenin in 1930, the Order of the Red Banner remained the highest order of the Soviet Union.
It was established on September 16, 1918 during the Civil War by decree of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee. Originally the Order was called the "Red Banner". During the Civil War, similar orders were also established in other Soviet republics Oh. On August 1, 1924, all orders of the Soviet republics were transformed into a single Order of the Red Banner for the entire USSR. The statute of the order was approved by the Decree of the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR dated January 11, 1932 (on June 19, 1943 and December 16, 1947, amendments and additions and changes were made to this Decree by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR). The latest edition of the order's statute was approved by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated March 28, 1980.
The Order of the Red Banner was awarded to the Komsomol, the newspaper "Krasnaya Zvezda", the Baltic State Technical University"Voenmekh", the cities of Leningrad (Petrograd), Kopeysk, Grozny, Tashkent, Volgograd (Tsaritsyn), Lugansk, Sevastopol.
ORDER OF THE RED STAR
Established: April 6, 1930
First award: V.K.Blyukher
Last awarded: 19 December 1991
Number of awards: 3876740
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR dated April 6, 1930. The statute of the order was established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR dated May 5, 1930.
Subsequently, the issues related to the awarding of the Order of the Red Star were amended and clarified by the General Regulations on the Orders of the USSR (Resolution of the Central Executive Committee and the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR of May 7, 1936), Decrees of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of June 19, 1943, February 26, 1946, October 15, 1947 and December 16, 1947. By the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of March 28, 1980, the Statute of the Order of the Red Star was approved in a new edition.
THE ORDER OF LENIN
Dimensions: height: 38-45 mm
width: 38 mm
Material: gold, platinum
Established: April 6, 1930
First awarded: 23 May 1930
Last awarded: December 21, 1991
Number of awards: 431 418
The history of the order dates back to July 8, 1926, when the head of the Main Directorate of the Red Army V. N. Levichev was asked to issue a new award - the Order of Ilyich - to persons who already had four Orders of the Red Banner. This award was to become the highest military distinction. However, since the Civil War in Russia had already ended, the draft of the new order was not adopted. At the same time, the Council of People's Commissars recognized the need to create the highest award of the Soviet Union, awarded not only for military merit.
At the beginning of 1930, work on the project of a new order, called the Order of Lenin, was resumed. The artists of the Goznak factory in Moscow were ordered to create a drawing of the order, the main image on the sign of which was to be a portrait of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin. From many sketches, we chose the work of the artist I. I. Dubasov, who took as the basis for the portrait a photograph of Lenin taken at the II Congress of the Comintern in Moscow by photographer V. K. Bulla in July-August 1920. It depicts Vladimir Ilyich in profile to the left of the viewer.
In the spring of 1930, the sketch for the order was handed over to the sculptors I. D. Shadr and P. I. Taezhny to create a model. In the same year, the first insignia of the Order of Lenin were made at the Goznak factory.
The order was established by a decree of the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR on April 6, and its statute was on May 5, 1930. The statute of the order and its description were amended by the Decree of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR dated September 27, 1934, by the Decrees of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of June 19, 1943 and December 16, 1947.
By the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of March 28, 1980, the statute of the order was approved in the final version.
ORDER OF PATRIOTIC WAR
I degree
Established: May 20, 1942
First award: June 2, 1942
Number of awards: over 9.1 million
ORDER OF PATRIOTIC WAR
II degree
On May 20, 1942, the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR "On the establishment of the Order of the Patriotic War of I and II degrees" was signed and together with it the statute of the new order. For the first time in the history of the Soviet award system, specific feats were listed, for which an award was given to representatives of all the main branches of the military.
The Order of the Patriotic War of I and II degrees could be received by the privates and commanding staff of the Red Army, the Navy, the NKVD troops and partisans who showed courage, fortitude and courage in battles with the Nazis, or by their actions contributed to the success of the combat operations of the Soviet troops. The right to this order was specially stipulated civilians awarded for contributions to overall victory over the enemy.
The Order of the 1st Class is awarded to the one who personally destroys 2 heavy or medium or 3 light enemy tanks, or as part of a gun crew - 3 heavy or medium tanks or 5 light tanks. The Order of the II degree could be earned by someone who personally destroyed 1 heavy or medium tank or 2 light tanks, or as part of a gun crew of 2 heavy or medium or 3 light enemy tanks.
ORDER OF ALEXANDER NEVSKY
Diameter - 50 mm
Material - silver
First awarded: November 5, 1942
Number of awards: 42 165
Architect I. Telyatnikov won the competition for the drawing of the Order of Alexander Nevsky. The artist used a shot from the film "Alexander Nevsky", which was released shortly before, in which Soviet actor Nikolai Cherkasov starred. His profile in this role was reproduced in the drawing of the future order. A medallion with a portrait of Alexander Nevsky is located in the center of a five-pointed red star, from which silver beams radiate; along the edges — ancient Russian military attributes — crossed reeds, a sword, a bow and a quiver with arrows.
According to the statute, the order was awarded to officers of the Red Army (from division commander to platoon commander) for their initiative in choosing the right moment for a sudden, bold and successful attack on the enemy and inflicting a major defeat on the enemy with small losses for their troops; for the successful completion of a combat mission with the destruction of completely or most of the superior enemy forces; for commanding an artillery, tank or air unit that inflicted heavy damage on the enemy.
In total, over 42 thousand awards were made by the Order of Alexander Nevsky during the war. Soviet soldiers and about 70 foreign generals and officers. More than 1470 military units and formations received the right to attach this order to the battle banner.
ORDER OF KUTUZOV
I degree
Established: July 29, 1942
First award: January 28, 1943
Number of awards: I degree - 675
II degree - 3326
III degree - 3328
ORDER OF KUTUZOV
II degree
ORDER OF KUTUZOV
III degree
The Order of Kutuzov (designed by artist N.I. Moskalev) I degree could be received by the commander of the front, army, his deputy or chief of staff for the good organization of the forced withdrawal of large formations with counter-attacks to the enemy, withdrawal of his troops to new lines with low losses; for the skillful organization of the operation of large formations in the fight against superior enemy forces and the preservation of their troops in constant readiness for a decisive offensive.
The statute is based on the fighting qualities that distinguished the activities of the great commander M.I.Kutuzov - skillful defense, exhausting the enemy and then going over to a decisive counteroffensive.
One of the first Orders of Kutuzov, II degree, was awarded to Major General KS Melnik, commander of the 58th Army, which defended the section of the Caucasian Front from Mozdok to Malgobek. In difficult defensive battles, having exhausted the main forces of the enemy, the army of KS Melnik launched a counteroffensive and, breaking the enemy's line of defense, fought in the Yeisk region.
In the regulation on the Order of Kutuzov of the III degree there is such a point: the order can be given to an officer "for the skillful development of a battle plan, which ensured a clear interaction of all types of weapons and its successful outcome."
ORDER OF SUVOROV
I degree
Established: July 29, 1942
First awarded: January 28, 1943
Number of awards: 7267
ORDER OF SUVOROV
II degree
ORDER OF SUVOROV
III degree
In June 1942, it was decided to establish orders named after the great Russian commanders - Suvorov, Kutuzov and Alexander Nevsky. These orders could be awarded to generals and officers of the Red Army for their distinction in battles with the Nazis, for the skillful leadership of hostilities.
The 1st degree of the Order of Suvorov was awarded to commanders of fronts and armies, their deputies, chiefs of staff, operational directorates and combat arms of fronts and armies for an excellently organized and conducted operation on an army or front scale, as a result of which the enemy was defeated or destroyed. One circumstance was specially stipulated - the victory was to be won by smaller forces over a numerically superior enemy, according to the famous Suvorov rule: "The enemy is beaten not by number, but by skill."
The Order of Suvorov II degree could be awarded to the commander of a corps, division or brigade, as well as his deputy and chief of staff for organizing the defeat of a corps or division, for breaking through a modern enemy defensive zone with its subsequent pursuit and destruction, as well as for organizing a battle in an encirclement, leaving from the encirclement while maintaining the combat capability of their units, their weapons and equipment. The insignia of the II degree could also be received by the commander of an armored formation for a deep raid behind enemy lines, "as a result of which a sensitive blow was inflicted on the enemy, ensuring the successful implementation of an army operation."
The Order of Suvorov III degree was intended to reward the commanders of regiments, battalions and companies for the skillful organization and implementation of a victorious battle with forces less than that of the enemy.
ORDER OF BOGDAN KHMELNYTSKY
I degree
Diameter: 55mm
Established: October 10, 1943
First award: October 28, 1943
Number of awards: 8451
ORDER OF BOGDAN KHMELNYTSKY
II degree
ORDER OF BOGDAN KHMELNYTSKY
III degree
In the summer of 1943, the Soviet army was preparing for the liberation of Soviet Ukraine. The idea of an award named after an outstanding Ukrainian statesman and a commander, belongs to film director A.P. Dovzhenko and poet M. Bazhan. The project of Pashchenko was recognized as the best. The main material for the order of the I degree is gold, II and III — silver. The statute of the order was approved together with the Decree establishing the order on October 10, 1943. The Order of Bogdan Khmelnitsky was awarded to soldiers and commanders of the Red Army, as well as partisans for distinction in battles during liberation Soviet land from the fascist invaders.
The Order of Bohdan Khmelnitsky, I degree, could be received by the commander of a front or army for a successful operation, with the use of skillful maneuver, as a result of which a city or region was liberated from the enemy, and the enemy suffered a serious defeat in manpower and equipment.
The Order of Bohdan Khmelnitsky, II degree, could have been earned by an officer from corps commander to regiment commander for breaking through a fortified enemy strip, a successful raid behind enemy lines.
The Order of Bogdan Khmelnitsky, III degree, could be received, along with officers and partisan commanders, for sergeants, foremen and rank-and-file soldiers of the Red Army and partisan detachments for their courage and resourcefulness shown in battles, which contributed to the fulfillment of the assigned combat mission.
In total, the Order of Bogdan Khmelnitsky made about eight and a half thousand awards, including the first degree — 323, the second — about 2400, and the third — more than 5700. Over a thousand military units and formations received the order as a collective award.
ORDER OF GLORY
I degree
Diameter: 46mm
First award: November 28, 1943
Number of awards: over 1 million
ORDER OF GLORY
II degree
ORDER OF GLORY
III degree
In October 1943, the project of N.I. Moskalev was approved by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. At the same time, the color of the ribbon of the future Order of Glory, proposed by the artist, was approved - orange-black, repeating the colors of the most honorable military award of pre-revolutionary Russia - the Order of St. George.
The Order of Glory was established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated November 8, 1943. It has three degrees, of which the highest I degree is gold, and II and III are silver (the second degree had a gilded central medallion). This insignia could be issued for a personal feat on the battlefield, issued in a strict sequence - from inferior to the highest.
The Order of Glory could be received by the one who first burst into the enemy's location, who in battle saved the banner of his unit or captured the enemy, who, risking his life, saved the commander in battle, who shot down a fascist plane from his personal weapons (rifle or machine gun), or destroyed up to 50 enemy soldiers, etc.
In total, during the years of the Great Patriotic War, about a million insignia of the Order of Glory, III degree, more than 46 thousand - II degree, and about 2600 - I degree were issued.
ORDER "VICTORY"
Total weight - 78 g:
Material:
platinum - 47 g
gold - 2 g,
silver - 19 g,
rubies - 25 carats,
diamonds - 16 carats.
Established: November 8, 1943
First award: April 10, 1944
Last awarded: 9 September 1945
(February 20, 1978)
Number of awards: 20 (19)
By a decree of November 8, 1943, the order was established, its statute and description of the sign were approved. The statute said: "The Order of Victory, as the highest military order, is awarded to senior officers of the Red Army for the successful conduct of such military operations, on the scale of several or one front, as a result of which the situation radically changes in favor of the Red Army."
In total, during the years of the Great Patriotic War, 19 awards were made with the Order of Victory. The Generalissimo of the Soviet Union I.V. Stalin, Marshals G.K. Zhukov and A.M. Vasilevsky received it twice. Marshals I.S.Konev, K.K.Rokossovsky, R.Ya. Malinovsky, F.I.Tolbukhin, L.A. Govorov, S.K. Timoshenko and General of the Army A.I. Antonov. Marshal K. A. Meretskov awarded for distinction in the war with Japan.
In addition, the Soviet military order was awarded to five foreign commanders for their contribution to the overall victory over fascism. These are the Supreme Commander of the People's Liberation Army of Yugoslavia Marshal Broz Tito, the Supreme Commander of the Polish Army Marshal M. Role-Zhimersky, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Armed Forces in Western Europe, General of the Army D. Eisenhower, the commander of the Army Group in Western Europe and B. Montgury former King of Romania Mihai.
ORDER OF NAKHIMOV
I degree
Established: March 3, 1944
First award: May 16, 1944
Number of awards: more than 500
ORDER OF NAKHIMOV
II degree
Artist B. M. Khomich.
Established on March 3, 1944 by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR: "On the establishment of military orders: the Order of Ushakov I and II degrees and the Order of Nakhimov I and II degrees."
The Order of Nakhimov was awarded “for outstanding achievements in the development, conduct and support of maritime operations, as a result of which offensive the enemy or active operations of the fleet have been ensured, significant damage has been inflicted on the enemy and their main forces have been preserved; for a successful defensive operation, as a result of which the enemy was defeated; for a well done counter landing operation that inflicted heavy losses on the enemy; for skillful actions to defend their bases and communications from the enemy, which led to the destruction of significant enemy forces and the disruption of his offensive operation. "
ORDER OF USHAKOV
I degree
ORDER OF USHAKOV
II degree
Established in 1944. Artist B. M. Khomich.
The Ushakov Order is the highest in relation to the Nakhimov Order. The Ushakov Order is subdivided into two degrees. I degree of the Order of Ushakov was made of platinum, II - of gold. For the Order of Ushakov, the colors of Andreevsky were taken naval flag pre-revolutionary Russia - white with blue. Established on March 3, 1944 by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR: "On the establishment of military orders: the Order of Ushakov I and II degrees and the Order of Nakhimov I and II degrees."
The Order of Ushakov could be issued for an active successful operation, as a result of which a victory over a numerically superior enemy was achieved. It could have been naval battle, as a result of which significant enemy forces were destroyed; a successful landing operation that led to the destruction of enemy coastal bases and fortifications; bold actions on the naval communications of the fascists, as a result of which valuable enemy warships and transports were sunk. In total, the Order of Ushakov II degree was awarded 194 times. Among the units and ships of the Navy, 13 have this award on their banners.
In preparing this page, materials from the following sites were used:
Everyone who is fond of, and even more seriously engaged in faleristics, is well aware that among the awards, both Russian Empire and the USSR ( modern Russia also) there is a certain hierarchy, that is, some awards are considered more important ("senior"), others - less ("junior").
But if in relation to orders such a hierarchy is understandable and to a certain extent logical, then with regard to medals, everything is much more confusing. This is especially true of Soviet medals associated with specific events of the Great Patriotic War - the defense of Soviet cities or territories, as well as the liberation of the capitals of the states occupied by them from the Germans or the capture of enemy cities.
In this regard, several questions arise, to some of which I have my own answers, or rather, assumptions that may seem controversial to someone. But some questions for me still remain unanswered.
I would be very grateful if you, my dear readers, could tell me the answers to these questions.
To begin with, I quote full list these medals (in hierarchical order - from the most "senior" to the most "youngest"). In brackets after the name of the medal: the date of its establishment and the number of awarded.
2. Medal "FOR DEFENSE OF MOSCOW" (May 1, 1944; 1.028.000)
3. Medal "FOR DEFENSE OF ODESSA" (December 12, 1942; 30,000)
4. Medal "FOR DEFENSE OF SEVASTOPOL" (Dec 22, 1942; 52.540)
5. Medal "FOR DEFENSE OF STALINGRAD" (December 22, 1942, 759.560)
6. Medal "FOR DEFENSE OF KIEV" (June 21, 1961; 107.540)
7. Medal "FOR DEFENSE OF THE CAUCASUS" (May 1, 1944; 870.000)
8. Medal "FOR THE DEFENSE OF THE SOVIET AREA" (December 5, 1944; 353.240)
9. Medal "FOR VICTORY OVER GERMANY IN THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR 1941 - 1945"(May 9, 1945; 14.933.000)
10. Medal "FOR VICTORY OVER JAPAN" (September 30, 1945; 1.800.000)
11. Medal "FOR TAKING BUDAPEST" (June 9, 1945; 362.050)
12. Medal "FOR TAKING KENIGSBERG" (June 9, 1945; 760.000)
13. Medal "FOR TAKING VIENNA" (June 9, 1945; 277.380)
14. Medal "FOR TAKING BERLIN" (June 9, 1945; 1,100,000)
15. Medal "FOR THE LIBERATION OF BELGRADE" (June 9, 1945; 70,000)
16. Medal "FOR THE LIBERATION OF WARSAW" (June 9, 1945; 701.700)
17. Medal "FOR THE LIBERATION OF PRAGUE" (June 9, 1945; 375,000)
Some logic in the hierarchy of these medals is quite clear to me.
So, it is quite natural that the defense of their cities and territories from the aggressor should be regarded (although this word is hardly appropriate in this case) higher than the capture of enemy cities. This was in full accordance with the official Soviet ideology, reflected, among other things, in poetry and songs (remember: “We don’t need an inch of someone else’s land, but we won’t give up our top too!”; “We are peaceful people, but our armored train is on a side track. .. "?)
Therefore the medals "For the defense ..."
in the hierarchy of military medals are higher than awards "For taking ..."
... And I think this is correct.
But there are also a number of questions here.
So, I understand why the medal "For the Defense of Leningrad" occupies the highest place in the hierarchy. The 900 days of the blockade of the city that did not surrender to the enemy speaks for itself. Therefore, as a Muscovite, I am not at all offended that the medal "For the Defense of Moscow" is located one step lower (although the significance of the battle near Moscow in the period from October 1941 to March 1942 for the entire course of not only the Great Patriotic War, but the entire Second World War is objectively higher). Moreover, most likely, the date of establishment of the award is also important here: 1942 and 1944. respectively.
But I don't understand at all why the medals "For the defense of Odessa" and "For the defense of Sevastopol" (of course, heroic, I have no thoughts to subject it to any doubt) are considered more significant than a medal "For the defense of Stalingrad" ? And the point is not even that the Battle of Stalingrad was a turning point in the entire Second World War, but that, unlike Odessa and Sevastopol, Stalingrad was never surrendered to the enemy.
By the way, the defense of Odessa lasted a little more than two months (5.08.41 - 16.10.41), while the defense of Sevastopol lasted almost 10 months (12.09.41 - 10.07.42). But at the same time, the significance of medals for the heroic defense of these three cities (including Stalingrad) is for some reason located in reverse order: Odessa, Sevastopol, Stalingrad despite the fact that they were established at the same time - December 22, 1942 when both Odessa and Sevastopol were already surrendered, and Stalingrad continued to defend itself, and even more, the first successes of Operation Uranus were obvious, the result of which was the complete defeat of Field Marshal Paulus's 6th Army and its encirclement, which included more than a million soldiers, officers and generals of the enemy.
The most paradoxical fact in the hierarchy of Soviet medals is that the medal "For the defense of Kiev"
is above all other medals "For Defense ...".
During the defense of Kiev in July-September 1941, about 700 thousand Soviet soldiers died, the defeat of the Red Army near Kiev led to disastrous consequences (including for Odessa and Sevastopol), not to mention the fact that the defeat of Kirponos and Budyonny as a result of the failed Kiev operations ("to hold Kiev at any cost") ended with the encirclement of a huge number of Soviet troops and the accelerated German offensive on Moscow.
At the time when the Soviet medals in question were established (1942 - 1945), the defense of Kiev was not perceived even as equal in importance to the same Battle of Stalingrad (especially judging by the results).
But everything was decided by N. S. Khrushchev, who established this medal June 21, 1961
, and put her above everyone else (probably everyone understands why). It is strange, in this regard, that the main "collector" of orders and medals throughout the USSR, Leonid I. Brezhnev, did not establish a special medal "For the Defense of the Small Earth" and did not put it even higher.
Not everything is clear with regard to medals. "For taking ..." .
For example, I do not understand why the medal "For the capture of Berlin"
ranks lower in the Soviet award hierarchy than medals "For the capture of Budapest"
, "For the capture of Konigsberg"
and "For the capture of Vienna"
... Moreover, all these medals were instituted simultaneously - on June 9, 1945.
In my opinion, it would be logical to arrange these medals in the following order: For the capture of Berlin, For the capture of Konigsberg, For the capture of Vienna, For the capture of Budapest.
Let me explain why.
Berlin, the capital of Nazi Germany, has always been the main target of all conscientious soldiers as a "lair of the beast", which is why they wrote on the shells "To Berlin!" Kenegsberg turned out to be a very tough nut to crack, the Nazis resisted there so fiercely that they managed to take this city only on April 9, a month before the complete surrender of Germany. Vienna, as one of the capitals of the Reich, was also perceived as an enemy city, but nevertheless surrendered later than Budapest (April 15 and February 13, 1945, respectively).
With medals "For liberation ..." already everything is much clearer, including the fact that the medal "For the liberation of Prague" ranks last in the hierarchy. Despite the fact that in Soviet times it was not accepted to mention the role of Bunyachenko's "Vlasov" division in liberating Prague from the Nazis, the founders of this medal simply could not ignore this, since the role of the Red Army in liberating Prague (and not Czechoslovakia!) Was not too significant.
But here are the medals "For the liberation of Belgrade" and "For the liberation of Warsaw" I would change places, although I'm not completely sure of this, it is possible that in this case sympathy for the Serbs and antipathy for the Poles speak in me (there is such a thing, I confess!).
In conclusion, I would like to note that real front-line soldiers, veterans of the Great Patriotic War, were not too interested in the importance of medals. They thought first of all about how to defeat the enemy and at the same time stay alive, and not about which of the medals ranks higher.
In addition, as far as I know from numerous conversations with veterans (as the head of the military history museum, I constantly communicate with them), the most valuable medal for them was Medal of Honor" established back in 1938 year,
because it was awarded for personal courage, and not for general participation in certain operations.
However, this medal occupied the highest place in the entire hierarchy of Soviet medals, which, from my point of view, is quite fair.
Separately for "Svidomo" : turn your attention to medal pads "For the victory over Germany" and "For the capture of Berlin" before you blather something about "Colorado"!
I have borrowed the images of the awards from Wikipedia, which I honestly admit.
Sergey Vorobyov.
Medal of Honor
One of the first decrees of the Soviet government was "On the destruction of the estates." This document of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee and the Council of People's Commissars, issued in early November 1917, in particular, abolished all the insignia that existed at that time. At the beginning of 1919, the Order Chapter also ceased to exist.
But the war that began soon against the interventionists and the White Guard troops showed the need to establish awards to encourage the soldiers who distinguished themselves most in battles, who showed personal courage and outstanding abilities in battles against the country's enemies. As a result, in the fall of 1918, the first soviet order- "Red flag". It became the first insignia in the RSFSR system of awards. After the appearance of the USSR, the order became all-Union.
Pre-war medals
In the 30s, several more orders were established, as well as the title "Hero of the Soviet Union". As a result, by the beginning of 1936 there were 5 orders in the country and a gold star of the Hero. The first medal appeared only at the beginning of 1938. Its establishment was timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the spacecraft, it bore the name. A little later, the following appeared medals of the USSR.
The decree of the Presidium of the Armed Forces of the Soviet Union on the establishment of the award was signed on 01.24.1938.
who have served in them for at least 20 years. Also awarded were persons who civil war became owners of the Order of the Red Banner.
A silver medal was minted. Until the end of 1940 it was awarded to more than 32 thousand people.
The second medal in the USSR, established on October 17, 1938, was “For Courage”. People were noted for her for the personal courage they showed in the performance of their military duty. It was considered the highest medal in the Soviet Union's system of awards.
A silver medal was minted. Before the beginning of the Second World War, about 26,000 people became its owners. 1941 to 1945 over 4 million servicemen were awarded. The front-line soldiers valued “For Courage” more than other awards, since it could only be received for personal qualities.
There was a person who received a medal 6 times - S.V. Gretsov. 4 people became holders of 5 medals, including one woman - guard sergeant V.S. Potapov.
The medal was instituted at the same time as "For Courage" - 10/17/1938. The award was presented to servicemen of the SA, Navy, border troops and military forces, as well as to other persons who skillfully acted in battle, and other merits. From 1944 to 1957 the medal was awarded to persons who have served for at least 10 years.
A silver medal was minted. Until the beginning of 1995, it was awarded to more than 5.2 million people. The reputation of this award was controversial, so many women did not advertise it.
At the end of that same year, 1938, the medal "For Labor Valor" was introduced, which was intended to reward people for selfless labor. The award was presented to citizens of the Soviet Union, as well as foreigners. In 1980 the Regulations underwent changes.
A silver medal was minted. The design was developed by the artist I.I. Dubasov. The first awarding took place on January 15, 1939. Until 1941, 8 thousand people became owners of the badge. Until the beginning of 1995, over 1.8 million people received the medal. All awards were carried out exclusively by decrees of the Presidium of the USSR Armed Forces.
It was established simultaneously with the previous award - 12/27/1938. It was awarded for shock work. The award was presented to citizens of the Soviet Union, as well as foreigners. She was considered the youngest among the medals awarded for labor merit. In 1980, the Regulation on the medal was changed.
A silver medal was minted. The design was developed by the artist I.I. Dubasov. The first awarding took place on January 15, 1939. The award was received by 19 workers of the plant. Kalinin. In total, at the beginning of the war, more than 11 thousand people became winners of the medal. Until the beginning of 1995, more than 2.1 million people received the medal.
Date of establishment - 08/01/1939. It was awarded to people who received the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. At first, the award was also called "Hero of the SS", but after changes in the Charter it became the "Golden Star". The design was developed by the artist I.I. Dubasov.
The medal was made in the form of a 5-pointed star. For its minting, 950 gold was used. The first awarding took place on 04.11.1939. The award was presented to the pilot A.V. Lyapidevsky. He had become an SS Hero 5 years earlier. Before the beginning of the Second World War, 626 people became winners of the medal.
A total of 12,776 medals were awarded. 156 people received a medal 2 times, 3 times - 3. They are A. Pokryshkin, I. Kozhedub and S. Budyonny. The winner of 4 medals was L.I. Brezhnev.
The medal, founded on 05/22/1940, was intended to award people who received the title of Hero of Socialist Labor. The design was developed by the architect M.I. Merkanov. The medallion was made of gold.
A total of 20,605 medals were awarded. 205 people received it 2 times, 16 - 3 times. This medal was the last one founded in the pre-war period.
Medals during the Second World War
The war showed that the medals, which at that time were provided for in the country's award system, are not enough. Therefore, new medals of the USSR.
In December 1942, several medals appeared, which were awarded to participants heroic defense cities. Among them was “For the Defense of Leningrad”. It was handed over to people who participated in the defense of this city, both military and civilian. The design was developed by the artist N. Moskalev. The material from which the badge was minted was brass.
Until the end of the Second World War, about 600 thousand people received the award. In total, until 1985, it was awarded to 1.47 million people. Among them are 15,000 children who survived the blockade. The first cavalier was A.A. Zhdanov.
It was also founded on December 22, 1942. It was intended to encourage military and civilians who personally participated in the defense of Odessa from 08/05/1941 to 10/16/1941. The metal from which the signs were minted was stainless steel until 1943, later - brass. The design was developed by the artist N. Moskalev.
In total, 30 thousand awards were carried out. Among them N. Ya. Gordienko, Ya. Ya. Gordienko, who fought in a partisan detachment.
It was founded on December 22, 1942. It was intended to encourage the military and civilians who personally participated in the defense of Sevastopol from 10/30/1941 to 07/04/1942. The badge was brass. The design was developed by the artist N. Moskalev. In total, 52.54 thousand people were noted.
It was founded on December 22, 1942. It was intended to encourage the military and civilians who personally participated in the defense of Stalingrad from 07/12/1942 to 11/19/1942. The badge was brass. The design was developed by the artist N. Moskalev.
A total of 759,560 individuals were recorded. Medal # 1 belonged to General M. Shumilov, who commanded the 64th Army.
At the beginning of 1943, another medal appeared, which was awarded to partisans, commanders of partisan detachments. Their organizers were also awarded. There were 2 degrees of the sign. 1 tbsp. minted from silver, 2 tbsp. - made of brass.
In total, about 57 thousand awards of 1 tbsp. Were carried out. and almost 71 thousand 2 st. The winners of the award were not only citizens of our country, but also foreigners. Badge No. 1 in the summer of 1943 was received by E.I. Osipenko.
On 03.03.1944, the Ushakov medal was instituted to award the rank and file and lower officers of the Navy. The design was developed by the architect M. Shepilevsky. The basis for the award was courage in defending the country during the war or in peacetime. Silver served as the material for it.
Appeared at the same time as the previous award. It was awarded to privates and lower officers of the Navy. Design was developed by the architect M. Shepilevsky. The basis for the award was the merit in the performance of combat missions. The medal was made of bronze. At the moment, 14 thousand people have been awarded.
It was founded on 05/01/19424. It was intended to encourage military and civilians who personally participated in the defense from 07/01/1942 to 10/31/1943. The badge was brass. The design was developed by the artist N. Moskalev. In total, 870 thousand distinguished ones were noted.
Appeared simultaneously with the previous one. It was intended to encourage the military and civilians who personally participated in the defense of Moscow from the Nazis from 10/19/1941 to 01/25/1942. The badge was brass. The design was developed by the artist N. Moskalev. In total, more than 1 million signs were awarded. The winner of the medal number 1 was I.V. Stalin.
This award was established in the middle of 1944. It was divided into two degrees. 1 tbsp. awarded to women who gave birth and raised 6 children, 2 tbsp. - 5. By the beginning of 1995, more than 13 million women had been awarded medals. 1 tbsp. was silver, 2 - bronze.
This award sign appeared on 05.12.1944. It was intended to encourage military and civilians who personally participated in the defense of the Arctic from 22.06.1941 to 30.11.1944. The item was made of brass. More than 350 thousand people became its owners.
The establishment took place on a memorable day - 05/09/1945. The design was developed by 2 artists - E. Romanov and I. Andrianov. The servicemen of the spacecraft became its owners. Manufacturing material - brass. 14 million 933 thousand copies of the award were presented, it has become the most massive. All holders of the badge were further entitled to apply for awards issued for the 20th, 30th, 40,50,50, 70th anniversary of the Victory.
This sign, intended to be presented to people working in the rear, was introduced on 06.06.1945. The design was developed by 2 artists - E. Romanov and I. Andrianov. Manufacturing material - copper. In total, over 16 million copies of the award were presented.
The award was awarded on 09.06.1945, and was awarded to military personnel serving in the spacecraft. The Navy and the NKVD troops who personally took part in the hostilities during the capture of the German capital. The design was developed by the artist A. Kuznetsov. Manufacturing material - brass. 1.1 million copies of the award were presented.
The founding date of the sign is the same - 06/09/1945. Its owners were military personnel serving in the spacecraft. Navy and NKVD troops who personally participated in hostilities during the capture of the capital of Hungary from 12/20/1944 to 02/15/1945. The design was developed by the artist A. Kuznetsov. Manufacturing material - brass. Approximately 360,000 copies of the award were presented.
The date of establishment is the same - 06/09/1945. Its owners were military personnel serving in the spacecraft. Navy and NKVD troops who personally participated in hostilities during the capture of the Austrian capital from 03/16/1945 to 04/13/1945. The design was developed by the artist A. Kuznetsov. Manufacturing material - brass. Approximately 277 thousand copies of the award were presented.
Date of establishment - 06/09/1945. Its owners turned out to be the military, serving in the spacecraft. The Navy and the NKVD troops who personally participated in the hostilities during the capture of Konigsberg from 01/23/1945 to 04/10/1945. The design was developed by the artist A. Kuznetsov. Manufacturing material - brass. Approximately 760,000 copies of the award were presented.
Day of establishment - 06/09/1945. Its owners turned out to be the military, serving in the spacecraft. The Navy and the NKVD troops who personally participated in the hostilities during the assault and capture of the capital of Yugoslavia from 09/29/1944 to 10/22/1944. The design was developed by the artist A. Kuznetsov. Manufacturing material - brass. Approximately 70,000 copies of the award were presented.
Date of establishment - 06/09/1945, the owners became the military, serving in the spacecraft. The Navy and the NKVD troops, who personally participated in the hostilities during the assault and capture of the capital of Poland from 01/14/1945 to 01/17/1945. The design was developed by the artist A. Kuznetsov. Manufacturing material - brass. Approximately 700,000 copies of the award were presented.
Establishment day - 09.06.1945, the owners were the military, employees of the spacecraft. The Navy and the NKVD troops who personally participated in the hostilities during the assault and capture of the city of Prague from 05/03/1945 to 05/09/1945. The design was developed by the artist A. Kuznetsov. Manufacturing material - brass. Approximately 395,000 copies of the award were presented, including 40,000 Czechs and Slovaks.
Date of establishment - 09/30/1945, the owners became the military, serving in the spacecraft. Navy and NKVD troops who personally participated in hostilities against Japanese army... The design was developed by the artist M. Lukina. Material - brass. Approximately 1.8 million copies of the award were issued. The holders of the badge were further entitled to apply for the awards issued for the 20th, 30th, 40,50,50, 70th anniversary of the Victory.
Post-war time
The main task of the country after the end of the Second World War was the restoration of the destroyed economy. And the first post-war medals of the USSR were appropriate.
Date of appearance - 09/10/1947 The owners were people who had significant achievements in the revival of the coal industry of Donbass. The design was developed by the artist I. Dubasov. Material - brass. Over 36 thousand copies of the award were presented.
Date of appearance - 09/20/1947 in memory of the anniversary of the capital. The contenders for the medal were broad strata of Muscovites who had lived in the capital or its suburbs for at least 5 years. The design was developed by artists I. Dubasov and S. Tulchinsky. Manufacturing material - copper. Over 1.7 million copies were presented.
Medal of the USSR "30 years of the Soviet Army and Navy"
Date of foundation - 02.22.1948 in honor of the 30th anniversary of the SA. The contenders for the medal were the entire personnel of the SA and the Navy, who were in service on February 23, 1948. The design was developed by the artist N. Moskalev. Material - brass. Over 3.7 million copies were presented.
It was founded on May 18, 1948. The winners of the medal were people who had significant achievements in the restoration of the coal industry in the southern regions of the country. The design was developed by the artist I. Dubasov. Manufacturing material - brass. Over 68 thousand copies were presented.
Date of appearance - 07/13/1950, in honor of the 30th anniversary of the SA. The winners of the medal were military personnel serving in the border troops of various departments, as well as civilians. The design was developed by the artist P. Veremenko. Manufacturing material - silver. The position of the award has changed several times. Over 67 thousand copies were presented.
Date of appearance - 01.11.1950. The medal was awarded to the personnel of the internal affairs bodies, as well as members of the people's squads who took an active part in the protection of law and order. Until 1960, the badge was minted from silver, later from nickel silver. About 47 thousand copies of the medal were awarded.
Date of establishment - 20.10.1956. The design was developed by the artist N. Filippov. The winners of the medal were agricultural workers for merits in the development of virgin lands in the Urals, Siberia, Kazakhstan, and the North Caucasus. The applicant had to work on the development of virgin lands for at least 2 years. More than 1.3 million copies of the medal were issued.
Date of establishment - 16.02.1957. The design was developed by the artist A. Shebalkov. The medal was awarded to employees of the rescue services, as well as other citizens of the country and foreigners for their courage in rescuing people on the water. Manufacturing material - brass. About 24 thousand copies of the medal were issued.
Date of establishment - May 16, 1957. The design was developed by the artist N. Sokolov. This jubilee badge was awarded to residents of Leningrad for a significant contribution to the revival of the city. Condition - people had to live in Leningrad or its suburbs for at least 5 years. Approximately 1.5 million copies of the medal were issued.
The award was founded on October 31, 1957. Firemen, members of fire brigades, as well as other citizens of the country and foreigners became the winners of the medal for courage in firefighting, rescuing people from fire. First, the badge was minted from silver, then from nickel silver. About 32.7 thousand copies of the medal were issued.
Date of foundation of the award sign - 18.12.1957. The establishment took place in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Soviet Union. The design was developed by the artist V. Gogolin. The contenders for the medal were all the personnel of the Armed Forces, who were in service on the day 23.02.1958. The material was brass. 820 thousand copies were presented.
Date of establishment - 06/21/1961 The owners were the military, serving in the USSR Armed Forces, as well as militias, partisans, underground fighters who personally participated in hostilities during the defense of Kiev from July to September 1941. The design was developed by artist V. Atlantov. Material - brass. Approximately 107.5 thousand copies of the award were presented.
Medal of the USSR "20 years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945."
Founded 07.05.1965 in honor of significant date- 20 years since the Victory Day. The design was developed by V. Ermakov and Yu. Lukyanov. All owners of the sign "For Victory over Germany in WWII 1941-1945" were entitled to receive it. Material - brass. Approximately 16.4 million copies of the award were presented.
Date of foundation - November 20, 1967. The introduction of the award is timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the appearance of the police in the country. It was handed over to persons included in the personnel of the police who have good characteristics and on the day of 11/21/1967 in service. People who were transferred to the reserve who had served in the militia for 25 years were also encouraged. Material - copper-nickel alloy. Almost 410 thousand copies of the award were presented.
The badge appeared a little later, on December 26, 1967. The introduction of the award is timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Armed Forces. It was handed over to persons included in the personnel of the Armed Forces, on the day of 02/23/1968 who were in the service, to some other people. Made from brass. More than 9.5 million copies of the award were presented.
The release of this award took place on the eve of the celebration of the centenary of V.I. Lenin, 05.11.1969 Designed by artists N. Sokolov and A. Kozlov. There were 2 variants of the sign:
- For valiant labor.
- For military valor.
The owners of the sign were people for excellent performance in work, persons serving in the Armed Forces, and some others. Made from brass. More than 11 million copies of the award were presented.
Introduced on 01/18/1974. Designed by artist S. Pomansky. The medal was awarded to people for many years of conscientious work in a variety of industries. The product is made of tombak. More than 39 million workers were awarded this badge.
The award mark was founded on 10/28/1974. The design was developed by the artist A. Zhuk. Servicemen of the Armed Forces who had good political training, who distinguished themselves in exercises or while serving, became candidates for the award. There were 2 degrees of awards. 1 tbsp. was brass, 2 tbsp. cupronickel. 20 thousand copies of 1 st. and 120 thousand 2 st.
Medal of the USSR "30 years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945."
The award mark was founded on 25.04.1975. The design was developed by artists V. Ermakov, V. Zaitsev, G. Miroshnikov. Established in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Victory Day. All owners of the sign “For Victory over Germany in WWII 1941-1945”, as well as some other awards, were entitled to receive it. Material - brass. Over 14.2 million copies of the award were presented.
Date of foundation - 20.05.1976. The design was developed by the artist R. Pylypiv. It was awarded to servicemen of the USSR Armed Forces who served at least 25 years without penalties. Material - tombak. Approximately 800,000 copies of the award were issued.
The release of this sign took place on 08.10.1976. Active builders of several railway lines were candidates for the award. Among them are BAM, the BAM - Tynda - Berkakit railway line, and other objects. The medal was most often awarded to workers, engineering and technical personnel who have worked for at least 3 years. The sign is made of brass. More than 170 thousand copies of the award were presented.
The medal was introduced on September 30, 1977. The design was developed by the artist Yu. Lukyanov. The medal was awarded to agricultural workers of the Non-Black Earth Belt of the RSFSR. To receive the award, they had to work there for at least 3 years. Minted from tombac. The number of awardees is about 25 thousand people.
Medal of the USSR "60 years of the Armed Forces of the USSR"
The badge appeared on January 28, 1978. The introduction of the award is timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Armed Forces. Designed by artist L. Pipetko. It was awarded to persons included in the personnel of the Armed Forces, on the day of 02/23/1978 who were in the service, to some other people. Made from brass. More than 10.7 million copies of the award were presented.
Medal of the USSR "For the development of mineral resources and the development of the oil and gas complex of Western Siberia"
The sign was issued on July 28, 1978. People who actively participated in the development of the oil and gas industry in the West Siberian regions became candidates for it. A medal was awarded to workers, employees who worked in this region for at least 3 years. The sign is made of brass.
Medal of the USSR "For Strengthening the Combat Commonwealth"
Established a year later - 05/26/1979. It was intended to encourage military personnel, employees of state security agencies, internal affairs bodies, as well as citizens of countries that are part of the Warsaw Pact. The foundation is a contribution to strengthening the military community. Made from tombac. 20 thousand medals were awarded.
USSR Medal "In Commemoration of the 1500th Anniversary of Kiev"
Date of appearance - 05/10/1982 Design belongs to the artist E. Kud. This sign appeared in honor of the one and a half century anniversary of the capital of Ukraine. It was awarded to people who worked in various industries who have lived in Kiev or Kiev suburbs for at least a decade. The award was also presented to persons who personally participated in the defense. Minted from brass. Approximately 780 thousand copies were issued.
Medal of the USSR "Forty years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945."
The day of the foundation of the award sign - 04/12/1985. The design was developed by artists V. Ermakov and A. Miroshnikov. Established in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Victory. All participants in the battles during the Second World War, other persons, holders of the badge "For Victory over Germany in WWII 1941-1945" were entitled to receive a medal. Made from brass. Over 11.2 million copies of the award were presented.
Medal of the USSR "70 years of the Armed Forces of the USSR"
The last of the medals of the Soviet Union, was founded on 28.01.1988. The institution was associated with the 70 years from the date of the formation of the Armed Forces. Designed by artist A. Zhuk. It was handed over to persons included in the personnel of the Armed Forces, on the day of February 23, 1988, who were in the service, to some other people. Made from brass. More than 9.8 million copies of the award were presented.
An award is a form of encouragement that is evidence of recognition of merit. Its main types in Russia are the titles of Russia, various other honorary titles, medals and orders, diplomas, certificates of honor, badges, awards, entry on the Board of Honor or in the Book of Honor, as well as declaration of gratitude, etc. Battle awards (orders and medals) occupy a very important place among them.
The role of our country in the Great Patriotic War
For all the people of our country, the Great Patriotic War was the greatest test. The armed forces of the USSR provided assistance not only to compatriots, but also to other peoples living in Europe, in their liberation from fascist slavery. For this, many people received military orders and medals. The Soviet Armed Forces also fulfilled their duty in relation to the peoples of Asia, enslaved primarily by Vietnam, Korea, and China.
How many medals and orders were awarded during this time?
For heroic deeds at the front, 11,603 soldiers were awarded the honorary title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Of these, 104 received it twice, and A.I. Pokryshkin, I.N. Kozhedub and G.K. Zhukov - three times.
10,900 orders were awarded to ships, units and formations of the Armed Forces. A well-coordinated military economy was also created in the USSR, there was a unity of the rear and the front. During the war, 12 orders were instituted, in addition, 25 medals. They were awarded to participants in the partisan movement, war, home front workers, underground workers, as well as militias. In total, more than 7 million people received military orders and medals.
Institutional medals
The medals that were instituted for participation in the war are as follows:
8 "For Defense": Leningrad, Stalingrad, Kiev, Odessa, Sevastopol, Soviet Arctic, Moscow, Caucasus;
3 "For Liberation": Belgrade, Warsaw, Prague;
4 "For the capture": Budapest, Vienna, Konigsberg and Berlin;
2 "For Victory": over Japan, over Germany;
- "Partisan of the Patriotic War";
- "For Valiant Labor in the Second World War";
- "Golden Star";
- "For Military Merit";
- "For Courage";
Nakhimov Medal;
- "Guard".
Ushakov's medal.
The medal is a less honorable award in comparison with the order.
Orders for participation in the Second World War
Unlike a medal, a combat order can have several degrees. For participation in the Second World War, they were the following: World War II, Lenin, Krasnaya Zvezda, Red Banner, Nakhimov, Ushakov, Pobeda, Slava, Bogdan Khmelnitsky, Kutuzov, Alexander Nevsky, Suvorov. We will tell you more about all these awards.
Order of the Patriotic War
In 1942, on May 20, a decree was signed on the establishment of this order, I and II degrees. For the first time in the history of the USSR award system, specific feats were listed, for which this award was issued to representatives of the main military branches in our country.
The military order of the I and II degrees could be received by the commanders and rank-and-file personnel of the Navy, the Red Army, and the NKVD troops. In addition, partisans were awarded who showed courage, fortitude and bravery in battles with the Nazis or by their actions contributed in one way or another to the success of the combat operations of the USSR troops. The right to receive this order by civilians was separately stipulated. They were awarded for their contribution to the victory over the enemy.
A combat order of the 1st degree could be received by the one who personally destroyed 2 medium or heavy, or 3 light enemy tanks, or 3 medium or heavy, or 5 light as part of a gun crew; II degree - 1 medium or heavy tank, or 2 light, or 2 medium heavy, or 3 light as part of a gun crew.
Order of Suvorov
The military orders, which were named after Alexander Nevsky, Kutuzov and Suvorov, were established in the USSR in June 1942. These awards could be received by officers and generals of the Red Army for skillful leadership of various hostilities, as well as for distinction in battles with the enemy.
The Order of Suvorov I degree was awarded to commanders of armies and fronts, as well as their deputies, chiefs of operational directorates and headquarters, combat arms of armies and fronts for successfully organized and carried out combat operation on the scale of a front or army, as a result of which the enemy was destroyed or defeated. One circumstance was specially stipulated: victory must certainly be won with smaller forces over the enemy, numerically superior, since the Suvorov principle was in effect, which stated that the enemy was beaten by skill, and not by number.
Orders of the II degree could be received by the commander of a brigade, division or corps, as well as his deputy or chief of staff for organizing the rout of the division or corps, breaking through the enemy's defensive line with subsequent pursuit and defeat, as well as for organizing a battle conducted surrounded, exit from it while maintaining the combat capability of its unit, its equipment and weapons. The commander of an armored formation could also be noted for the fact that he carried out a deep raid in the rear of the enemy, inflicting a sensitive blow on him, which ensured the successful completion of the operation by the army.
The III class order was intended to award various commanders (companies, battalions, regiments). He was awarded for the skillful organization and conduct of the battle that brought victory with less forces than the enemy.
Order of Kutuzov
This military order of the 1st degree, created according to the project of the artist Moskalev, could be issued to the commander of the army, front, as well as his deputy or the chief of staff for the fact that they well organized the forced withdrawal of some large formations along with the infliction of counterstrikes on the enemy, the withdrawal of new the lines of their troops with low losses in their composition; and also for the good organization and conduct of the operation to combat enemy forces superior to the available large formations, and the maintenance of constant readiness of the troops for a decisive attack on the enemy.
The fighting qualities that distinguish the activities of M.I. Kutuzov, were the basis of the statute. This is a skillful defense, as well as a tactical exhaustion of the enemy, followed by a decisive counteroffensive.
One of the first to receive this order of the II degree was K.S. Melnik is a Major General who commanded the 58th Army, which defended a section of the Caucasian Front from Malgobek to Mozdok. Having exhausted the main forces of the enemy, in difficult defensive battles his army went over to the counteroffensive and went to the Yeisk region with battles, breaking the line of defense of the Germans.
The Order of Kutuzov, III degree, was awarded to the officer who skillfully developed a battle plan, thanks to which a good interaction of various types of weapons and a successful outcome of the operation were ensured.
Order of Alexander Nevsky
Architect Telyatnikov won the drawing competition for this order. He used in his work a frame from a film called "Alexander Nevsky", which was released shortly before. The main role was played by Nikolai Cherkasov. His profile was depicted on this order. There is a medallion with a portrait in the center of a red star, five-pointed, from which silver rays radiate. Ancient Russian attributes of a warrior (quiver with arrows, bow, sword, crossed reeds) are located along the edges.
According to the statute, an officer who fought in the ranks of the Red Army is awarded a military order for the initiative shown in choosing a good moment for a bold, sudden and successful attack on the enemy and inflicting a major defeat on it. Moreover, it was necessary to preserve significant forces of their troops. This award was presented for the successful completion of a certain task in conditions of the superiority of the enemy forces. At the same time, it was required to destroy most of its forces, or completely defeat it. Also, a person could hear the words "combat awarded with an order" for commanding an aviation, tank, artillery unit that inflicted heavy damage on the enemy.
In total, this award was received by more than 42 thousand soldiers, as well as about 70 foreign officers and generals.
Order of Bohdan Khmelnitsky
The Soviet army in the summer of 1943 was preparing for a crucial operation - the liberation of Ukraine. Poet Bazhan, as well as film director Dovzhenko, came up with the idea of this award, named in honor of the great Ukrainian commander and statesman. The material for this order of the first degree is gold, the second and third degree is silver. The statute was approved in 1943, on October 10. This order was awarded to the commanders and soldiers of the Red Army, as well as to the partisans who showed distinction in the battles during the liberation of the Soviet land from the fascist invaders. In total, they were awarded about 8.5 thousand people. The order of the first degree was awarded to 323 soldiers, the second - about 2400, and the third - more than 57. Many military formations and units (over a thousand) received it as a collective award.
Order of Glory
Combat orders of the USSR also include the Order of Glory. His project, completed by Moskalev, in 1943, in October, was approved by the commander-in-chief. At the same time, the colors of the ribbon of the Order of Glory, proposed by this artist, were approved. She was orange and black. The ribbon of the Order of St. George, the most honorable military award in pre-revolutionary Russia, had the same colors.
The Order of Military Glory has three degrees. The award of the first degree is gold, and the second and third - silver (the central medallion was gilded by the order of the second degree). This sign could be received by a soldier for a personal feat shown on the battlefield. These orders were issued strictly sequentially - from the lowest to the highest degree.
This award could be received by the one who burst into the enemy's location first, saved the banner of his unit in battle, or obtained the enemy's one; and also the one who saved the commander in the battle, risking his life, shot down a fascist plane with personal weapons (machine gun or rifle) or personally destroyed up to 50 enemy soldiers, etc.
In total, about a million insignia of this order, III degree, were issued during the war years. More than 46 thousand people received the II degree award, and the first - about 2600.
Order "Victory"
This order of the Second World War (military) was established in 1943, by decree of November 8. The statute said that they were awarded the highest command personnel for the successful conduct of military operations (on one or several fronts), as a result of which the situation radically changed in favor of the USSR army.
Only 19 people received this order. Twice it was Stalin, as well as Zhukov. Timoshenko, Govorov, Tolbukhin, Malinovsky, Rokossovsky, Konev, Antonov received it once. Meretskov was awarded this insignia for his participation in the war with Japan. In addition, five foreign military leaders are marked by him. These are Tito, Rola-Zhimersky, Eisenhower, Montgomery and Mihai.
Order of the Red Banner
This order was established in 1924, two years after the formation of the USSR. Warriors Soviet army, civilians and partisans, awarded with the order Combat Red Banner (there are about a hundred thousand in total), received it for the exploits performed during the Great Patriotic War. He was awarded for heroic deeds that were committed with obvious danger to life in a combat situation. Also, the Order of the Battle Banner could deserve a person for outstanding leadership of the operations of various military associations, formations, units, showing courage and bravery. He was issued for special courage and courage during the performance of a special assignment. It was also possible to receive the Order of the Battle Red Banner for the courage and courage shown in ensuring our country's state security, inviolability of the border in conditions of risk to life. The Order of the Red Banner was awarded for successful fighting warships, military units, formations and formations that won a victory over the enemy, despite losses or other conditions unfavorable for this. They also received a reward either for inflicting a major defeat on the enemy, or if their actions contributed to the success of the USSR troops in the implementation of a major operation.
Ushakov Order
The Order of Ushakov is the highest in relation to another order, which was awarded to officers of the fleet - Nakhimov. It has two degrees. The first degree award is made of platinum and the second one is made of gold. The colors are white and blue, which in pre-revolutionary Russia were the colors of the St.Andrew's flag (naval). This award was established in 1944, March 3. The order was issued for a successful active operation, as a result of which a victory was achieved over a numerically superior enemy. For example, in which significant enemy forces are destroyed; for a successful amphibious operation, which entailed the destruction of coastal fortifications and enemy bases; for the bold actions carried out on the sea lanes of the enemy troops, as a result of which his valuable transports and warships were sunk. The Order of Ushakov, II degree, was awarded 194 times. 13 ships and units of the Navy have this insignia on their banners.
Order of Nakhimov
Five anchors made up the star in the sketch for this order. They were turned with their stocks to the medallion depicting the admiral according to Timm's drawing. This order is subdivided into two degrees - the first and the second. The materials for the manufacture were gold and silver, respectively. Rubies were used to make star rays in the first degree of this award. A combination of orange and black was chosen for the ribbon. This award was also established in 1944, on March 3.
and the Red Star
More than 36 thousand people received the Order of Lenin for military distinctions, and the Red Star - about 2900. Both of them were established in 1930, on April 6.
Before the Great Patriotic War reward system of the USSR included a rather small number of orders and medals, and the awards themselves were rare, so there was no problem of their location on the chest. All orders and medals were worn on the left side of the chest.
Viktor Talalikhin before the war
Vasily Konstantinovich Blucher
First three years Soviet power got by with the only award - the Order for participation in the battles "Red Banner". Only in 1920 did it become necessary to celebrate citizens for their shock work, and another Order of the Red Banner of Labor was established. After that, for a long 10 years, there was no reason to increase the list of awards.
Order of the Red Banner
The only change in the military order was the replacement in 1925 of the inscription "RSFSR" with "USSR". Moreover, a complete replacement of the badge was originally planned, and at the end of 1924 a competition was announced to create a draft badge of the order. However, the commission, having considered 683 sketches from 393 authors, did not approve any of them, since all of them were inferior to the drawing of the Order of the Red Banner of the RSFSR. Therefore, it was decided to leave it as a starting point for creating a new sign.
Change of the Order of the Red Banner in 1925
The first labor award of the USSR
The Order of the Red Banner of Labor had slightly more changes. Initially, the republics had their own, republican varieties of the order, but after the creation of the USSR in 1922, it became necessary to develop a single award and in 1928 a new sign, the so-called "Triangle", appeared, and in 1936 the form of the order was radically revised again. In this form, the sign existed until 1991.
Changes to the Order of the Red Banner of Labor
Order of the Red Star
In 1929, there was a conflict on the Sino-Eastern Railway. During the hostilities, the Red Army defeated parts of the Kuomintang, restoring the status of the road. It is possible that in connection with this event, the Soviet leadership thought about increasing the number of military awards, after which, in 1930, the Order of the Red Star appears. The first holder of the Order of the Red Star was V.K. Blucher, commander of the Special Red Banner Far Eastern Army.
The order of Lenin
In the same year, the country celebrated the 60th anniversary of the birth of V.I. Lenin. To commemorate the anniversary, on April 6, 1930, simultaneously with the Order of the Red Star, the Order of Lenin was established. With several changes in appearance, it was the highest award of the Soviet Union until 1991.
Change of the Order of Lenin in 1934
Hero of the Soviet Union Senior Lieutenant Anatoly Vasilyevich Samochkin
There is a misconception that the highest award of the USSR is the Hero's medal, however, this is not the case. Hero of the Soviet Union is not an award, it is a title. First established on April 16, 1934, the title of Hero did not have any insignia at all and the cavalier was awarded only a diploma from the Central Executive Committee of the USSR. Each Hero was awarded the Order of Lenin. Only four years later, on August 1, 1939, the insignia of the Hero of the Soviet Union, the Gold Star medal, was instituted.
Another order for rewarding for labor success was established by the Decree of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR on November 25, 1935 - "Badge of Honor". It became the most common of the orders and was awarded not only for peaceful achievements. In December 1941, the Order of the Badge of Honor was awarded to a group of Red Army commanders, state security officials and civilians who distinguished themselves in the defense of Odessa. And in 1942, this order was awarded to 170 partisans, among whom was the commissar of the partisan unit Kovpak S.V. Rudnev.
The Order of the Badge of Honor was also awarded to children for their success in work and study. Eteri Gvantseladze, a student of school No. 3 in Tbilisi, received the Order of the Badge of Honor for her excellent studies and active social work.
Establishment of the first medals of the USSR
As we can see, in the new award system of the Soviet country there were only five orders and until 1938 there was not a single medal. The first reason for the mass awarding of servicemen was the 20th anniversary of the Workers 'and Peasants' Red Army and the Navy. Orders for such purposes were not entirely suitable, and on January 24, 1938, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR instituted the first medal in the history of the Soviet country "XX Years of the Red Army".
The year 1938 was plentiful in new medals. In the fall, on October 17, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet instituted two more military medals - "For Courage" and "For Military Merit". They were worn on a small rectangular last, of the same type with other medals, and even a scarlet ribbon was used for all.
And on December 27, 1938, two labor medals were instituted: "For Valiant Labor" and "For Labor Distinction." New triangular pads have been developed for them.
Medical instructor of the 369th separate battalion of the marine corps of the Danube military flotilla, chief petty officer Ekaterina Illarionovna Mikhailova (Demina)
This completed the formation of the pre-war Soviet award system and until 1942 not a single new award appeared.
The Great Patriotic War.
The first year of the war was so difficult for the Soviet Union, associated with a long retreat, countless local defeats and huge losses, that awards were a very rare event. The situation was aggravated by the confusion in the retreating units. However, a massive feat Soviet soldier could not but be noted, and in the spring of 1942 the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet established the Order of the "Patriotic War", which became the first award in modern history, which has two degrees. Also, this order differed from the previous ones in that its statute detailed the feats for which the servicemen were presented for the award (For example: Who shot down in an air battle, being part of the crew of fighter aircraft - 3 aircraft).
Order of the Patriotic War
Orders for generals
The summer of 1942 did not bring significant successes, but the Red Army was no longer the same as a year ago - brilliant military operations were carried out in some sectors of the front, in the rear they intensified partisan detachments... Even in winter, a radical turning point in the war was outlined after the first major offensive of Soviet troops near Moscow, the advance of German troops was stopped, in Stalingrad the vaunted Nazi army got bogged down in urban battles and could not even reach the Volga. There was a need to encourage the senior command staff, who developed these operations, and the Supreme Council decides to establish three so-called "general" orders at once, bearing the names of the great Russian military leaders: the Order of Suvorov, the Order of Kutuzov and the Order of Alexander Nevsky. The USSR PVS Decree of July 29, 1942 established three degrees for the Orders of Suvorov and Kutuzov. If these two orders were awarded only to the highest command personnel, then the Order of Alexander Nevsky was more democratic - it was awarded starting from platoon and squadron commanders in aviation.
Orders of Suvorov, Kutuzov and Alexander Nevsky until 1943
Squadron Commander of the 6th Separate Guards Assault Aviation Regiment, Captain Ivan Alexandrovich Musienko
City Defense Medals
In November 1942, the largest military operation"Uranus", developed by G.K. Zhukov. In just four days, from November 19 to November 23, crushing the Nazi defenses, the Red Army surrounded 22 German divisions and defended Stalingrad. In commemoration of this grandiose event, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR decided to celebrate the exploits of the defenders of the cities and by the Decree of December 22, 1942 instituted four medals at once: “For the Defense of Leningrad”, “For the Defense of Odessa”, “For the Defense of Sevastopol” and “For the Defense of Stalingrad” ...
Huge historical meaning This Decree has this because it was thanks to him that Soviet awards acquired a pentagonal block, ribbons of individual colors and took on a finished form that was preserved throughout the entire existence of the Soviet Union, which then passed into the award system of new Russia.
Changes to the reward system
On June 19, 1943, the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR was issued "On the approval of samples and descriptions of ribbons for orders and medals of the USSR and the rules for wearing orders, medals, order ribbons and insignia", which radically changed the appearance of all awards and streamlined the rules for wearing orders and medals.
The red moire ribbon completely disappeared from the blocks of orders and medals, remaining only on the highest insignia - the Star of the Hero of the Soviet Union. Almost all orders that had a screw fastening received pentagonal pads, ribbons of individual colors and, according to clause 2 of the Rules for wearing orders and medals, were worn on the left side, along with medals.
It was decided not to make orders with the shape of a star on the blocks. For this reason, the Order of the Red Star was the only one left unchanged. An exception, subsequently, was made only for the Order of Glory. All awards without pads are supposed to be worn on the right side of the chest.
For all pre-war medals, rectangular pads were replaced with pentagonal ones, similar to those of the order and the pads of medals "For Defense" with ribbons of different colors.
This was the end of the reform and the reward system of the USSR took the form in which it has survived to this day. All modern awards are located on the chest according to the extended Rules, the basis of which was laid on June 19, 1943.
However, one should not think that after the release of this Decree, the awards were immediately replaced with samples of a new type. The front-line soldiers freely, without any problems, wore the awards received before 1943 along with the new ones, there were no strict orders for replacement.
Amet-Khan Sultan - Soviet military ace pilot, Hero of the Soviet Union
Vasily Filippovich Margelov, founder of the Airborne Forces
The only time when every one of the awards was replaced with new ones was the Victory Parade on June 24, 1945 on Red Square. All participants received new ones, directly from the Mint, orders and medals.
Tankmen, participants in the Victory Parade in 1945
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