Medals of the USSR - catalog of medals of the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union with photographs, descriptions, history of their establishment and awards, prices.
Leave only WWII medals
After the revolution of 1917, and the formation of a new state, it was decided to abandon the system of awards of Tsarist Russia, so that all military medals of the USSR were created from scratch.
Since 1924, rewards for special merits have been carried out with the only award established in the country - the Order of the Red Banner of Battle. By 1937, more than 32 had received it thousands of people and this led to the devaluation of the reward. In order to maintain the value of the order at an appropriate level, it was decided to create junior awards - medals of the USSR.
Clause 9 of Article 121 of the USSR Constitution states that the Presidium Supreme Council USSR: “establishes orders and medals; establishes honorary titles; awards orders and medals; confers honorary titles; Thus, orders and medals established individual republics, departments and divisions are not state awards of the USSR.
The first medal of the armed forces of the USSR in 1938 was the anniversary medal of the XX years of the Red Army, and ten months later the first military medals of the Soviet Union were established - “For Courage” and “For Military Merit”. Both of them became exclusively military, the first of them was awarded directly for courageous actions in battle, the second can be received in total for a number of less meaningful action, as well as for success in military and political training. A month later, in December 1938, by analogy with them, labor medals of the USSR were established - “For Labor Valor” and “For Labor Distinction”, intended to reward people who have accomplished labor feats.
The last awards established in the pre-war period were the badges special distinction for citizens awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union, this is the medal " Golden Star"for the military and the Hammer and Sickle medal for civilians.
Medals of the Great Patriotic War of the USSR
With the German attack on the USSR in June 1941, a period of difficult battles began, feats and other heroic deeds were performed en masse, and there was a need to expand the award system.
The initial period of the Great Patriotic War was characterized by a number of heroic battles defensive in nature. To commemorate all participants in those events, in December 1942, the Soviet medals for the defense of Odessa, Sevastopol, Leningrad and Stalingrad. By that time, the first two cities, after a heroic defense, were abandoned by order of headquarters, while battles continued for the second two.
By February 1943 the enemy was stopped and vital importance acquired a partisan movement in the occupied territories of the USSR, operating in the rear and undermining communications and military warehouses of the enemy. In 1943, more than a million Soviet citizens took part in the partisan movement, and the Patriotic War Partisan Medal was created to honor their contribution to the victory.
By the summer of 1943, the Soviet award system already included 15 awards given for military merit, which forced a change in the rules for wearing them. Since the summer of 1943, all awards round shape worn on the left side of the chest; in addition, on the left side of the chest it was also worn special sign distinctions “Golden Star” and “Hammer and Sickle”, and instead of medals, it was allowed to wear award ribbons on rectangular strips.
After the victory in the Great Patriotic War, a number of new awards were established, these were the Soviet medals for liberation European capitals: Belgrade, Prague, Warsaw. WWII medals also appeared for the capture of the strongholds of Nazi Germany: Vienna, Koenigsberg, Budapest, Berlin, in addition to them, special commemorative medals of the USSR were created: “For the victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.” and "For victory over Japan."
After the end of the Second World War, the question arose of restoring the destroyed economic and industrial potential of the Soviet Union. Millions of people took part in large-scale construction projects, and memorial signs were created for participation in these events, such as medals for the Restoration of ferrous metallurgy enterprises, Donbass mines, and the construction of the BAM.
Subsequently, the USSR award system was expanded by establishing Soviet medals in honor of the anniversaries of the country's largest cities, the 800th anniversary of Moscow, the 250th anniversary of Leningrad and the 1500th anniversary of Kyiv.
In 1979, the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Soviet Union decided to restore order in the award system, and approved “ General position about orders, medals and honorary titles of the USSR." According to this document, all USSR medals were collected into eight groups:
- Medals are signs of special distinction;
- Medals for awarding labor merits;
- Medals for awarding for services in the defense of the socialist Fatherland and other military merits;
- Medals for awarding for services in solving the most important national economic problems of the USSR;
- Medals for awarding mothers for having many children and raising children;
- Medals for awarding merit in the performance of civil and official duties;
- Medals for awarding for merits and distinctions during the Great Patriotic War, in the defense, capture and liberation of cities and territories;
- Medals for awarding in connection with the most important anniversary dates in the history of the Soviet people.
On our website we have created a catalog of USSR medals with prices, their descriptions, photographs, history of the institution and awards. The indicated cost of USSR medals is approximate, and to a large extent the price may fluctuate depending on the condition, availability of documents and the fame of the recipient.
There is a claim that Stalin loved to read and could easily read 500 pages in one day. The main literature that the leader of the USSR preferred was historical works. He read almost all the works of ancient Greek and Roman chroniclers, read Stalin and the book written by Hitler - Mein Kampf.
Stalin's passion for historical works was also reflected in Soviet literature. Thus, the famous work of Alexei Tolstoy “Peter the Great” was written on the orders of Stalin. While writing the novel, at the direction of Stalin, the author gained access to state archives, and it was thanks to the data obtained that the book turned out to be truly historical. Stalin understood perfectly well that without knowledge of the past it is impossible to build the future, and therefore, at the height of the Great Patriotic War, he made an attempt to show his people how the formation of a great state took place.
It is obvious that it was the Russian Army of Peter I that prompted Stalin to introduce Soviet army guard units. Many viewed the decision to rename four rifle divisions - 100, 127, 153 and 161 as the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Guards - with ambiguity and even some hostility. First of all, this was due to the emerging associations with the White Guard, but it was not for nothing that Stalin was a competent strategist and tactician, because it was at this time that Alexei Tolstoy’s work “Peter the Great” appeared, in which the guards are shown as real heroes who do not retreat from the battlefield , but showing heroism in confrontation with prevailing enemy forces. This is exactly what Stalin was counting on.
Guards units became models of heroism for other military units, and each of these units sought to prove that it was also ready to bear the valiant name - Guards. In May 1942, the insignia of the Guards was introduced; in appearance it resembled the Order of the Red Banner, and each soldier considered highest award wear this sign on your chest.
The guardsmen were Alexander Matrosov, who covered the enemy bunker with his body, Alexey Maresyev participated in air battles with prosthetics instead of legs, Ivan Kozhedub, who, according to official statistics alone, shot down 62 fascist planes. Indeed, Soviet soldiers valued the honor of bearing the proud title of guardsman and in every battle they proved that it was not in vain that they were awarded such an honor.
During the Great Patriotic War, other state awards were introduced for courage, valor and bravery.
In May 1942, the Order of the Patriotic War of the 1st and 2nd degrees was adopted. There is no family in the cities and villages of our Motherland where the military awards of soldiers that they earned during the Second World War are kept. One of these awards is the Order of the Patriotic War.
The badge of the order shines with golden rays that emanate from a five-pointed star, and the star itself lies on a cavalry saber and rifle. The first Soviet soldier to receive the award was Captain Ivan Ilyich Krykliy. Under his command, the artillery division of the 13th Guards Rifle Division in the battles near Kharkov destroyed 32 German tank. For this feat, on July 2, 1942, the hero was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st degree.
On July 29, 1942, the Order of Suvorov of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd degrees was adopted. There is no peace without victories. “Victory is the enemy of war,” said the great commander Alexander Suvorov. The commander always taught his soldiers that they should never give up, even in front of a strong enemy, and they should always be prepared for battles and campaigns. It was Suvorov who wrote the words: “Nothing but an attack.” During the Great Patriotic War, the Order of Suvorov became the highest award for Soviet commanders. The first person to be awarded the highest award of military leaders was Georgy Zhukov. He was awarded for the victory at Stalingrad. Stalin also had the Order of Suvorov No. 112. Zhukov spoke beautifully about the significance of the award: “Receiving the first Order of Suvorov was not only an honor for me, but also an incentive for further victories. I could not disgrace the honor of the greatest commander Alexander Suvorov, whose order was awarded to me by my state.”
On July 29, 1942, another of the orders was adopted, which recognized the merits of Soviet commanders - the Order of Kutuzov, 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree. One of the main mottos of Mikhail Kutuzov were the words: “One of the main goals of all our actions is to destroy the enemy to the last possible opportunity.” This motto inspired Soviet commanders during the Great Patriotic War, and many of them were awarded the Order of Kutuzov for their courage. The first recipient of the order was General Ivan Fedyuninsky, who distinguished himself during the breakthrough of the siege of Leningrad. Fedyuninsky received his award in the hospital where he was treated after being wounded.
Along with the Orders of Kutuzov and Suvorov, another order was adopted, which was awarded to Soviet officers for their courage and heroism - the Order of Alexander Nevsky. The order depicts the image of Alexander Nevsky. His words: “Whoever comes to us with a sword will die by the sword. On this the Russian land stood and will stand,” were like a motto for everyone Soviet people. The first order was awarded to senior lieutenant Ivan Ruban on November 5, 1942. Battalion Commander Marine Corps Senior Lieutenant Ivan Ruban received an award for the courage, ingenuity and military art that the young officer showed during the defense of Stalingrad. The battalion under the command of Ruban defeated the enemy regiment, which was supported by a huge number of tanks.
In 1943 there were bloody battles for liberation Ukrainian cities and sat down from fascist occupation. On October 10, 1943, four days before the liberation of Zaporozhye, the Order of Bohdan Khmelnitsky of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd degrees was adopted. The first holder of the order was the commander of the 12th Army of the 3rd Ukrainian Front Major General Alexey Danilov. This is how his merit in the liberation of the Ukrainian city was noted.
Soldiers' roads are shrouded in gunpowder smoke, soldiers' banners are burned with flames, perhaps that is why the ribbon on which they wear soldier's order Glory, made in the color of gunpowder and fire. During the Great Patriotic War, the Order of Glory was awarded to soldiers and sergeants for their courage in battles with the enemy. The first holder of the Order of Glory was the deputy commander of the sapper platoon of the 140th regiment of the 182nd Infantry Division, Georgy Israelyan. During all the years of the war, 2,456 soldiers of the Soviet army became holders of the order. Not only individual military personnel, but also entire units were awarded the order. Thus, for breaking through impregnable enemy shelters, which was carried out by soldiers of the 1st battalion of the 215th regiment of the 77th Guards Rifle Division, military unit was awarded the honorary title "Battalion of Glory".
An order that no one has ever been awarded is the Order of Stalin. The reason why the order, fully developed and adopted by the Presidium of the Supreme Council, never became a state award lies in the person after whom it was named. It was Joseph Vissarionovich who refused in 1949 to approve the order as state award, in the end, the order remained just a development.
The first new military award, the Order of the Patriotic War, began to be developed on April 10, 1942, and on May 20 it was already established. Initially, the order was planned to be called “For military valor", but then the name was changed. This, according to the founders, was supposed to reflect universal idea people's struggle with the fascist invaders. For the first time in the history of the USSR award system, the order was issued in two degrees. The first degree differed from the second in that it central part was made of gold. It was awarded to military personnel of any branch of the military, including fighters and commanders of partisan formations. At the same time, the military feat was concretized, i.e. military honors for which it was given were formulated in the statute of the order, of which there were more than 30 points. For example, the 2nd degree was awarded to the one who personally destroys 1 medium (heavy) or 2 light tanks with artillery fire, and for destruction more enemy equipment, say 2 medium or 3 light tanks, the artilleryman was already awarded a higher order, 1st degree.
It is noteworthy that for 35 years this order was the only award that could remain with the veteran’s family after his death. Unlike him, everyone else soviet signs awards, the relatives of the recipient, after his death, were obliged to return them to the state. This rule was only repealed in 1977.
During the Second World War, about 350 thousand cases of awarding the Order of the Great Patriotic War of the 1st degree and about 926 thousand cases of the 2nd degree were awarded. Beginning in 1947, such awards were stopped and were carried out only periodically. For example, in the 60s. awarded to foreigners who provided assistance to Soviet soldiers who were captured, as well as partisans and underground fighters. In 1985, in honor of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Victory, this order was revived again.
Also in 1942, the first orders were established to reward commanders in honor of the great Russian commanders - Alexander Nevsky, Suvorov and Kutuzov. They could be received by commanders - heroes for skillfully leading a successful military operation and preserving the lives of subordinates while completing a mission. In March 1944, orders were added to them, intended for awarding officers of the Military - Navy Ushakova and Nakhimov.
Continued restoration of the traditions of the glorious Russian military history found in the establishment of the Order of Glory, which became an analogue St. George's Cross main soldier's award. Wearing an award on a black and orange St. George ribbon, covered in military glory (albeit for political reasons full name it was not returned, calling it Guards), the laconism and expressiveness of the execution of the order, the division into degrees, the production of the highest degree from pure gold - all this was taken from the main soldier's award in Russia - the St. George Cross.
The Order of Glory was established on November 8, 1943. It was awarded to sergeants and privates of the Red Army and junior aviation lieutenants who demonstrated heroic deeds in battles. The Order of Glory consists of three degrees, the highest of which is the 1st. Those awarded are awarded the right to an extraordinary assignment of military rank.
At the same time, the Order of Victory was established, the highest military award USSR, which was awarded to only 17 gentlemen. It was awarded to persons of the highest command staff Red Army for the successful conduct of combat operations on a front scale, as a result of which the situation radically changed in favor of Soviet troops.
ORDERS AND MEDALS OF WWII
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 "GOLD STAR" OF THE HERO OF THE SOVIET UNION
Date of establishment: April 16, 1934
First award: April 20, 1934
Last awarded: December 24, 1991
Number of awards: 12772
Highest degree differences in the USSR. Honorary title, which was awarded for performing a feat or outstanding merits during hostilities, and also, as an exception, in Peaceful time.
The title was first established by the Decree of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR dated April 16, 1934; an additional insignia for the Hero of the Soviet Union - the Gold Star medal - was established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated August 1, 1939.
On April 16, 1934, by resolution of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR, the title of Hero of the Soviet Union was established as amended: “To establish the highest degree of distinction - the awarding of the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for personal or collective services to the state associated with the accomplishment of a heroic deed.” No insignia were provided; only a certificate from the USSR Central Executive Committee was issued.
All eleven pilots, the first Heroes of the Soviet Union, received the Order of Lenin for their rank. The practice of awards was formalized by the Decree of the Central Executive Committee 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 a diploma, were also entitled to the Order of Lenin.
By decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated August 1, 1939, a special distinctive sign for Heroes of the Soviet Union - the “Hero of the Soviet Union” medal. Another Decree of October 16, 1939 approved appearance medal, which was called the “Gold Star”. Unlike the original Regulations, the possibility of multiple awards with the “Gold Star” was now provided for. Twice the Hero of the Soviet Union was given a second Gold Star medal and a bronze bust was built for him in his homeland. Three times the Hero of the Soviet Union was awarded a third Gold Star medal, and his bronze bust should be installed at the Palace of the Soviets in Moscow. The issuance of Orders of Lenin when awarding the second and third medals was not provided for. Nothing was said in the Decree about conferring the title for the 4th time, nor about possible quantity awards for one person.
The numbering of medals for the first, second and third awards was separate. Since construction grand Palace The Soviets in Moscow did not end in connection with the war, then busts of three Heroes were installed in the Kremlin.
MEDAL "FOR COMBAT MERIT"
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:
. military personnel 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 individuals for:
. For skillful, proactive and courageous actions in battle that contributed to the successful completion of combat missions military unit, division;
. For courage shown in defense state border THE USSR;
. For excellent success in combat and political training, mastering new military equipment and maintaining high combat readiness of military units and their subunits, and other merits during active service 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 located after the Ushakov medal.
As of January 1, 1995, the medal “For Military Merit” had been awarded to 5,210,078.
MEDAL OF HONOR"
Diameter - 37 mm
Date of establishment: 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 soldiers of the Red Army, Navy and Border Guards for personal courage and courage in battles with 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 Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Russian Federation of March 2, 1992 No. 2424-1, the medal was retained in the Russian Federation award system. Re-established by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of March 2, 1994 No. 442.
The Medal “For Courage” is awarded to military personnel, 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:
. in battles in defense of the Russian Federation and its state interests;
. when performing special tasks to provide state security Russian Federation;
. when protecting the state border of the Russian Federation;
. when performing military, official or civil duty, protecting the constitutional rights of citizens in conditions involving risk to life.
The medal “For Courage” is worn on the left side of the chest and, in the presence of other medals of the Russian Federation, is located after the medal of the Order “For Merit for the Fatherland”, II degree.
MEDAL "FOR THE DEFENSE OF LENINGRAD"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material: brass
Number of awards: 1,470,000
Established by Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of December 22, 1942. The author of the medal project is the artist N. I. Moskalev.
The medal “For the Defense of Leningrad” was awarded to all participants in the defense of Leningrad:
. military personnel of units, formations and institutions of the Red Army, Navy and NKVD troops who actually participated in the defense of the city;
. workers, employees and other persons from civilian population who participated in the hostilities to protect the city, contributed to the defense of the city with their dedicated work at enterprises and institutions, participated in the construction of defensive structures, air defense, in the protection of public utilities, in fighting fires from enemy air raids, in organizing and maintaining transport and communications in the organization Catering, supply and cultural services for the population, caring for the sick and wounded, organizing child care and carrying out other measures for the defense of 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 located 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 anniversary medal “In memory of the 250th anniversary of Leningrad.”
As of 1985, about 1,470,000 people were awarded the medal “For the Defense of Leningrad”. Among them are 15 thousand children and teenagers under siege.
MEDAL "FOR THE DEFENSE OF ODESSA"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material: brass
Date of establishment: December 22, 1942
Number of awards: 30,000
Established by Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of December 22, 1942. The author of the design of the medal is the artist N. I. Moskalev.
The medal “For the Defense of Odessa” was awarded to all participants in the defense of Odessa - military personnel of the Red Army, Navy and NKVD troops, as well as civilians who took a direct part in the defense. The period of defense of Odessa is considered to be August 10 - October 16, 1941.
The medal was awarded on behalf of the USSR PMC on the basis of documents certifying actual participation in the defense of Odessa, issued by unit commanders, heads of military medical institutions, and the Odessa regional and city Councils 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, is located after the medal “For the Defense of Moscow”.
As of 1985, about 30,000 people were awarded the medal “For the Defense of Odessa”.
MEDAL "FOR THE DEFENSE OF SEVASTOPOL"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material: brass
Date of establishment: December 22, 1942
Number of awards: 52540
Established by Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of 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 - military personnel of the Red Army, Navy and NKVD troops, as well as civilians who took a direct part 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 located after the medal “For the Defense of Odessa”.
As of January 1, 1995, approximately 52,540 people were awarded the medal “For the Defense of Sevastopol.”
MEDAL "FOR THE DEFENSE OF STALINGRAD"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material: brass
Date of establishment: December 22, 1942
Number of awards: 759560
Established by Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of December 22, 1942. The author of the medal design is artist N. I. Moskalev
The medal “For the Defense of Stalingrad” was awarded to all participants in the defense of Stalingrad - military personnel of the Red Army, Navy and NKVD troops, as well as civilians who took a direct part in the defense. The period of 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, if there are other medals of the USSR, is located after the medal “For the Defense of Sevastopol”.
As of January 1, 1995, approximately 759,560 people had been awarded the medal for the Defense of Stalingrad.
MEDAL "FOR THE 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 - military personnel of the Red Army, Navy and NKVD troops, as well as civilians who took a direct part 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, is located after the medal “For the Defense of Kyiv.”
As of 1985, about 870,000 people were awarded the medal “For the Defense of the Caucasus.”
MEDAL "FOR THE DEFENSE OF MOSCOW"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material: brass
Date of establishment: May 1, 1944
Number of awards: 1,028,600
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on May 1, 1944. The author of the design of the medal is the artist N. I. Moskalev.
The medal “For the Defense of Moscow” was awarded to all participants in the defense of Moscow:
. all military personnel and civilian personnel of the Soviet Army and NKVD troops who participated in the defense of Moscow for at least one month from October 19, 1941 to January 25, 1942;
. civilians who took a direct part in the defense of Moscow for at least one month from October 19, 1941 to January 25, 1942;
. military personnel of the Moscow air defense zone and air defense units, as well as civilians, were the most active participants in the defense of Moscow from enemy air raids from July 22, 1941 to January 25, 1942;
. military personnel and civilians from the population of the city of Moscow and the Moscow region who took an active part in the construction of defensive lines and structures of the defensive line of the Reserve Front, 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 there are other medals of the USSR, is located 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 POLAR REGION"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material: brass
Date of establishment: December 5, 1944
Number of awards: 353,240
Established by Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of December 5, 1944. The author of the image of the medal is Lieutenant Colonel V. Alov with modifications by the artist A. I. Kuznetsov.
Medal "For Defense" Soviet Arctic“All participants in the defense of the Arctic were awarded - military personnel of the Red Army, Navy and NKVD troops, as well as civilians who took a direct part in the defense. The period of defense of the Soviet Arctic is considered to be 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, is located after the medal “For the Defense of the Caucasus”.
As of January 1, 1995, approximately 353,240 people have been awarded the medal “For the Defense of the Soviet Arctic.”
MEDAL "FOR THE DEFENSE OF Kyiv"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material: brass
Date of establishment: June 21, 1961
Number of awards: 107540
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated June 21, 1961. The author of the medal project is the artist V. N. Atlantov.
The medal "For the Defense of Kiev" was awarded to all participants in the defense of Kiev - military personnel 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, in the construction of defensive fortifications, who worked in factories and factories that served the needs of the front, members of the Kyiv underground and partisans who fought the enemy near Kiev. The period of defense of Kyiv is considered to be July - September 1941.
The medal “For the Defense of Kyiv” is worn on the left side of the chest and, in the presence of other medals of the USSR, is located after the medal “For the Defense of Stalingrad”.
As of January 1, 1995, approximately 107,540 people were awarded the medal “For the Defense of Kyiv.”
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 of June 9, 1945. The design of the medal was created by artist A.I. Kuznetsov.
The medal “For the Liberation of Belgrade” is awarded to military personnel of the Red Army, Navy and NKVD troops - direct participants in the heroic assault and liberation of Belgrade during the period September 29 - October 22, 1944, as well as the 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, is located after the medal “For the Capture of Berlin”.
About 70,000 people were awarded the Medal for the Liberation of Belgrade.
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 medal project is the artist Kuritsyna.
As of January 1, 1995, approximately 701,700 people had been awarded the Medal for the Liberation of Warsaw.
The medal “For the Liberation of Warsaw” is awarded to military personnel of the Red Army, Navy and NKVD troops - direct participants in the heroic assault and liberation of Warsaw in the period January 14-17, 1945, as well as the organizers and leaders of military operations during the liberation of this city.
The medal is awarded 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 unit commanders and heads of military medical institutions.
Delivery is made:
. persons located in military units of the Red Army and Navy - commanders military units;
. persons who retired from the army and navy - by regional, city and district military commissars at the place of residence of the recipients.
The medal “For the Liberation of Warsaw” is worn on the left side of the chest and, if there are other medals of the USSR, is located 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 design are artist A. I. Kuznetsov and artist Skorzhinskaya.
The medal “For the Liberation of Prague” is awarded to military personnel of the Red Army, Navy and NKVD troops - direct participants in the heroic assault and liberation of Prague from May 3 to May 9, 1945, as well as the 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, is located after the medal “For the Liberation of Warsaw”.
As of 1962, the medal “For the Liberation of Prague” had been awarded to over 395,000 people.
MEDAL "FOR THE CAPTURE OF 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 dated 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 to "military personnel The Soviet Army, Navy and NKVD troops were direct participants in the heroic assault and capture of Berlin, as well as the organizers and leaders of military operations during the capture of this city.”
In total, more than 1.1 million people were awarded the medal “For the Capture of Berlin”.
The medal “For the Capture of Berlin” is round, 32 mm in diameter, made of brass. On the front side of the medal, in the center, the inscription “For the capture of Berlin” is minted. By bottom edge medals - an image of an oak half-wreath intertwined with a ribbon in the middle part. Above the inscription is a five-pointed star. The front side of the medal is bordered by a border. On the reverse side of the medal is the date of the capture of Berlin by Soviet troops: “May 2, 1945”; below is a five-pointed star. All inscriptions and images on the front and back of the medal are convex. At the top of the medal there is an eyelet, with which the medal is connected by means of a ring to a metal pentagonal block, which serves to attach the medal to clothing. The shoe is covered with a red silk moire ribbon 24 mm wide. There are five stripes running down the middle of the ribbon - three black and two orange.
MEDAL "FOR THE CAPTURE OF 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 military personnel of the Red Army, Navy and NKVD troops - direct participants in the heroic assault and capture of Budapest during the period December 20, 1944 - February 15, 1945, as well as the 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, is located after the medal “For the Victory over Japan”.
As of January 1, 1995, approximately 362,050 people had been awarded the medal for the Capture of Budapest.
MEDAL "FOR THE CAPTURE OF 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 dated 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 military personnel of the Red Army, Navy and NKVD troops - direct participants in the assault and capture of Vienna during the period March 16 - April 13, 1945, as well as the 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, in the presence of other USSR medals, is located after the medal “For the Capture of Koenigsberg”.
As of January 1, 1995, approximately 277,380 people had been awarded the medal for the Capture of Vienna.
MEDAL "FOR THE CAPTURE OF KONIGSBERG"
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 medal project is artist A. I. Kuznetsov.
The medal “For the Capture of Koenigsberg” is awarded to military personnel of the Red Army, Navy and NKVD troops - direct participants in the heroic assault and capture of Koenigsberg in the period January 23 - April 10, 1945, as well as the organizers and leaders of military operations during the capture of this city.
The medal “For the Capture of Koenigsberg” is worn on the left side of the chest and, in the presence of other USSR medals, is located after the medal “For the Capture of Budapest”.
As of 1987, about 760,000 people were awarded the medal “For the Capture of Koenigsberg”.
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 of 1941-1945" established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of May 9, 1945. The authors of the medal are artists E. M. Romanov and I. K. Andrianov.
Medal "For Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945" were awarded:
. all military personnel and civilian staff who took direct part in the ranks of the Red Army, Navy and NKVD troops on the fronts of the Patriotic War or ensured victory through their work in military districts;
. all military personnel and civilian staff members who served during the Great Patriotic War in the ranks of the active Red Army, Navy and NKVD troops, but 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 of 1941-1945" worn on the left side of the chest and, in the presence of other USSR medals, is located 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
Date of establishment: September 30, 1945
Number of awards: 1,800,000
Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of September 30, 1945. The author of the medal project is the artist M.L. Lukina.
The medal “For Victory over Japan” is awarded to:
. all military personnel and civilian personnel of units and formations of the Red Army, Navy and NKVD troops who took direct part in hostilities against the Japanese imperialists as part of the troops of the 1st Far Eastern, 2nd Far Eastern and Transbaikal fronts, Pacific Fleet and Amur river flotilla;
. military personnel central departments NGOs, NKVMF and NKVD, which took part in supporting the combat operations of Soviet troops in Far East.
The medal “For Victory over Japan” is worn on the left side of the chest and, in the presence of other medals of the USSR, is located after the anniversary medal “Forty Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.” It is interesting that Stalin looks to the right (towards Japan), and in the medal “For Victory over Germany” he looks to the left (towards Germany).
The total number of people awarded the medal “For Victory over Japan” is about 1,800,000 people.
MEDAL "FOR VALORABLE LABOR IN THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR 1941 - 1945"
Diameter - 32 mm
Material: copper
Date of establishment: 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 medal design are 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 specialists Agriculture;
. workers of science, technology, art and literature;
. workers of Soviet, party, trade union and other public organizations - who, with their valiant and selfless labor, ensured the victory of the Soviet Union over Germany in the Great Patriotic War.
Medal "For Valiant Labor in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945" worn on the left side of the chest and, in the presence of other USSR medals, is located 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 16,096,750 people were awarded.
I degree
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - 1st degree - silver
Number of awards: 1st degree - 56,883
MEDAL "PARTIZAN OF THE PATRIOTIC WAR"
II degree
Diameter - 32 mm
Material - 2nd degree - brass
Date of establishment: 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, commanding staff of partisan detachments and organizers of the partisan movement for special merits in organizing the partisan movement, for courage, heroism and outstanding successes in guerrilla warfare behind Soviet Motherland behind the lines of the Nazi invaders.
The medal "Partisan of the Patriotic War" of the 1st and 2nd degree is awarded to partisans of the Patriotic War, the commanding staff of partisan detachments and the organizers of the partisan movement who showed courage, tenacity, and courage in the partisan struggle for our Soviet Motherland in the rear against the Nazi invaders.
The medal “Partisan of the Patriotic War”, 1st and 2nd degree, is awarded by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
Medal "Partisan of the Patriotic War"
Events and news
Helpful information
Regulations
Reward
- one of the forms of encouragement, evidence of recognition of special merits.
The main rewards are:
conferring the title of Hero of Russia, Hero of Labor, honorary titles, awarding orders, medals, certificates of honor, diplomas, prizes, badges, being included in the Book of Honor or on the Board of Honor, declaring gratitude, etc.
The greatest test for the Armed Forces and the entire Soviet people was the Great Patriotic War of 1941 - 1945, which ended in complete victory against fascism. It had world-historical significance and had a huge impact on everything post-war development humanity.
The Soviet armed forces saved humanity from the threat of fascist enslavement, saved world civilization, assisted many peoples of Europe in liberation from fascist slavery.
The Soviet Armed Forces also fulfilled their international duty in relation to the peoples of Asia enslaved by militaristic Japan, primarily China, Korea, and Vietnam.
For exploits on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War, 11,603 soldiers were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, 104 of them received this title twice, and G.K. Zhukov, I.N. Kozhedub and A.I. Pokryshkin - three times.
More than 7 million people were awarded orders and medals.
10,900 military orders were awarded to formations, units and ships of the Soviet Armed Forces.
Fought the enemy with unparalleled courage Soviet partisans, militias and underground fighters.
The economic basis of the victorious Great Patriotic War was socialist economy country, skillful mobilization and organization of all forces and means of the state to defeat the enemy. A well-coordinated military economy was created in the USSR, and the unity of the front and rear was achieved. The Soviet people showed massive labor heroism and accomplished a feat the likes of which history has never known.
During the war, the Soviet Union produced weapons and military equipment 2 times more and best quality than Nazi Germany.
Our industry produced (from July 1, 1941 to September 1, 1945) 134.1 thousand aircraft, 102.8 thousand tanks and self-propelled artillery units, 825.2 thousand guns and mortars.
Moral and political unity, Soviet patriotism, friendship of multinational peoples Soviet state, just and noble goals of the war, boundless love for the Motherland, burning hatred of the enemy gave birth to mass heroism in the ranks of the Soviet Army and Navy.
The Great Patriotic War was the most difficult of all wars in world history. The war claimed more than 20 million Soviet lives, which accounted for 40% of all human losses in the Second World War. The Soviet Armed Forces lost more than 3 million of their soldiers during the liberation of the peoples of Europe and Asia.
The Nazis turned thousands of cities, towns, villages and hamlets of the Soviet Union into ruins.
Total amount of damage national economy and individual citizens from direct destruction and looting amounted to 679 billion rubles.
During the Great Patriotic War, 12 orders and 25 medals were established, which were awarded to Soviet soldiers, participants in the partisan movement, underground workers, home front workers, and people's militias.
Among the medals established were: Among the established orders were:
In December 1942, the medal “For the Defense of Leningrad” was established to reward all active participants in the defense of the city on the Neva. After a series of discussions of the projects, a sketch of the medal by the artist N. I. Moskalev was approved: against the background of the Admiralty, as a symbol of the city, figures of a Red Army soldier, a Red Navy man, a worker and a worker with rifles at the ready are depicted, personifying the readiness of the city’s defenders to fight.
At the very beginning of 1943, the Leningrad Mint received an order to produce the first batch of medals “For the Defense of Leningrad”. By that time, the most valuable equipment and most of the company's specialists had been evacuated. Workers and engineers worked in the besieged city to produce awards. Already in April, the first thousand medals were awarded to the city’s defenders on the front line. In total, about 1 million 470 thousand people were awarded the medal “For the Defense of Leningrad”.
A special medal was established for all participants in the defense of Odessa. After discussing the award projects presented by several artists, a drawing by N. I. Moskalev was approved: on the front side of the medal there is a Red Army soldier and a Red Navy man going into the attack with rifles at the ready. The figures of warriors of two branches of the army, who fought the enemy shoulder to shoulder, symbolize the inextricable unity of the army and navy in the battles for the city.
Established in 1942. Artist N. I. Moskalev
The medal “For the Defense of Odessa” was established on December 22, 1942, simultaneously with medals for the defenders of Leningrad, Sevastopol and Stalingrad. All military personnel who participated in the defense of the city, as well as civilians who took a direct part in the defense of Odessa, had the right to receive it. In total, about 30 thousand people were awarded the medal “For the Defense of Odessa”. For heroic resistance, courage and perseverance in the fight against enemies, Odessa received the honorary name “hero city” in 1945.
On December 22, 1942, when Sevastopol was still occupied, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR established the medal “For the Defense of Sevastopol,” created according to a sketch by the artist N. I. Moskalev.
Established in 1942. Artist N. I. Moskalev
All active participants in the defense of the city in 1941 - 1942 - both military and civilians - were entitled to this award. Currently, about 50,000 medals “For the Defense of Sevastopol” have been issued.
Even at the height of the Battle of the Volga, in December 1942, the medal “For the Defense of Stalingrad” was established. The sketch of the medal was developed by the artist N. I. Moskalev.
Established in 1942. Artist N. I. Moskalev
Along with military personnel who fought the Nazis in the Stalingrad area, it was also awarded to civilians who took part in the defense of the city. About 760 thousand of his defenders received Medal "For the Defense of Stalingrad" By decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated May 1, 1944, the medal “For the Defense of Moscow” was established, and the Regulations on the medal and its description were approved. The right to receive the medal “For the Defense of Moscow”
Civilians who participated in the defense of the city during this period for a month also received a medal. In addition, awards were given to all Muscovites who took part in the construction of defensive fortifications around Moscow, in air defense, in maintaining public order and in other activities related to the defense of the city. In total, more than a million people were awarded the medal, including 20 thousand children.
On the eve of the twentieth anniversary of the treacherous attack Hitler's Germany On June 21, 1961, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR established the medal “For the Defense of Kyiv” (the author of the drawing is the artist V. N. Atlantov) for the Soviet Union.
Established in 1961. Artist V. N. Atlantov
The right to this award was given to all military personnel and civilians who took part in the defense of the city in July - September 1941, as well as members of the Kyiv underground and partisans who fought the fascists near Kiev. Currently, about 105 thousand people have been awarded the medal “For the Defense of Kyiv”.
On Medal "For the Defense of the Caucasus", established on May 1, 1944 (the author of the picture is N.I. Moskalev), the central element of the image is Mount Elbrus as a symbol of the Caucasus. Soviet tanks are depicted at the foot of the mountain, and airplanes are depicted in the sky.
Established in 1944. Artist N. I. Moskalev
All military and civilian personnel who participated in the defense of the Caucasus for at least three months between July 1942 and October 1943 received the right to wear this medal. Currently, about 870 thousand people have been awarded the medal “For the Defense of the Caucasus”.
History of creation Medal "For the Defense of the Soviet Arctic" differs in that the idea of such an award was born in the troops of the Karelian Front. Intelligence workers at the front headquarters, on their own initiative, made several drawings of the future medal, collectively selected the best one (the author turned out to be Lieutenant Colonel V. Alov) and gave it a name "For the defense of the Soviet Arctic".
Medal "For the Defense of the Soviet Arctic"
Established in 1944.
The proposal was supported by the Military Council of the front, headed by the commander, Colonel General V. A. Frolov, and the project was sent to Moscow. And despite the fact that several Moscow artists were also invited to make their own designs for this medal, ultimately the Supreme High Command approved the drawing sent from the Arctic. The artist A.I. Kuznetsov only had to finalize minor details in the drawing. December 5, 1944 medal "For the defense of the Soviet Arctic" was approved. It was awarded to all participants in the fight against the enemy in this region. The number of medals issued exceeds 350 thousand.
The award “Partisan of the Patriotic War” was established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on February 2, 1943 and had two degrees. The author of the drawing is the artist N. I. Moskalev. Medal "Partisan of the Patriotic War" was intended to reward ordinary partisans, commanders and organizers of the partisan movement who showed “perseverance and courage in the partisan struggle for our Soviet Motherland in the rear against the Nazi invaders.”
Medal "Partisan of the Patriotic War". I degree.
Established in 1943. Artist. N. I. Moskalev
The 1st class medal was awarded for special merits in organizing the partisan movement, for courage, heroism and outstanding successes in partisan warfare.
Medal "Partisan of the Patriotic War". II degree.
The medal of the 2nd degree was awarded to ordinary partisans and commanders for their personal contribution to the cause. common struggle with the fascists, for active assistance in this struggle. Medal of the 1st degree “Partisan of the Patriotic War” 56 thousand people were awarded, II degree - about 71 thousand people.
Participants in the operation to liberate Belgrade were awarded a medal for the liberation of this city. On all five designs of the medal, the main element is the inscription “For the Liberation of Belgrade” and only two of them have a five-pointed star added in the center. The design of the artist A.I. Kuznetsov was approved: in the center of the front side of the medal, framed by a laurel wreath, is the inscription “For the liberation of Belgrade”, at the top is a five-pointed star.
Medal "For the Liberation of Belgrade" (obverse and reverse)
Established in 1945. Artist A. I. Kuznetsov
On the reverse side is the date of liberation of the Yugoslav capital - “October 20, 1944”. This award is worn on a green moire ribbon with a wide black longitudinal stripe in the middle. The Medal "For the Liberation of Belgrade" was established on June 9, 1945. On August 31 of the same year, the Secretariat of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR approved the Regulations on the procedure for delivering it to all direct participants in the heroic assault and liberation of the capital of Yugoslavia from the Nazis, as well as to the organizers and leaders of this operation. In total, about 70 thousand people received the award.
The medal “For the Liberation of Warsaw” was established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated June 9, 1945, and on August 31 the Secretariat of the Presidium approved the Regulations on the procedure for awarding the medal.
Medal "For the Liberation of Warsaw" (obverse and reverse)
Established in 1945. Artist Kuritsyna
All direct participants in the fighting to liberate the Polish capital in the period from January 14 to 17, as well as the organizers and leaders of this operation, were entitled to receive the medal. More than 690 thousand people were awarded the medal “For the Liberation of Warsaw”.
On June 9, 1945, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR established Medal "For the Liberation of Prague". When working on the sketches of the award, the artists were tasked with making the inscription “For the Liberation of Prague” the basis of the front side.
Medal "For the Liberation of Prague" (obverse and reverse)
Established in 1945.
Artists A. I. Kuznetsov and Skorzhinskaya
On the approved project of the medal of artists A.I. Kuznetsov and Skorzhinskaya, in addition to the inscription “For the liberation of Prague,” there is an image of the rising sun as a symbol of freedom that has come to the Czechoslovak capital. On the reverse side of the award is the date “May 9, 1945” - the day of the complete cleansing of Prague from the Nazis. Medal "For the Liberation of Prague" More than 395 thousand people received it.
In memory of the capture of the capital of Hungary, Budapest, on February 13, a special medal was established. On the front side of the award there is the inscription “For the capture of Budapest”, on the back there is the date “February 13, 1945” - the day the city was liberated from the Nazis.
Medal "For the Capture of Budapest" (obverse and reverse)
Established in 1945.
Artists A. I. Kuznetsov
In accordance with the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated June 9, 1945, the medal was awarded to all direct participants in the assault and capture of the capital of Hungary, as well as to the commanders who led the Budapest operation. Total medal "For the capture of Budapest" More than 350 thousand people were awarded.
In memory of the storming and capture of Koenigsberg (later renamed Kaliningrad) it was established award medal. Among more than a dozen design drawings future medal The sketches of the artist N.I. Moskalev, who fruitfully worked during the war years on the creation of new insignia, stand out. One of the projects, for which a test sample was later made in metal, depicts soviet soldier with a banner in one hand and a machine gun in the other against the backdrop of a tank and a self-propelled artillery unit going to storm. For the first time in the history of domestic awards, her image on the sketch of the medal did not appear by chance, since powerful self-propelled artillery units played a role in important role during the destruction of the fortifications of Koenigsberg.
Medal "For the Capture of Koenigsberg" (obverse and reverse)
Established in 1945.
Artists A. I. Kuznetsov
But on the final version of the medal, based on a drawing by A.I. Kuznetsov, only the inscription “For the capture of Koenigsberg” is left on the front side and the date of the final fall of the fortress is “April 10, 1945” on the back. In total, more than 760 thousand participants in the hostilities in East Prussia were awarded the medal.
A special medal for participants in the storming and liberation of Vienna was established on June 9, 1945. There are more than 15 design drawings by different artists submitted to the competition; most of them were based on images of powerful new Soviet military equipment.
Medal "For the Capture of Vienna" (obverse and reverse)
Established in 1945. Artists of Zworykin
IN end result on the medal there was only the inscription “For the capture of Vienna” and on the back the date “April 13, 1945” was indicated. The author of the drawing is the artist Zvorykina. More than 270 thousand people were awarded the medal.
Medal "For the Capture of Berlin" (obverse and reverse)
Established in 1945.
The medal was established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated May 9, 1945. It could be received by all military personnel who took part in the war at the front, as well as those who did not take part in hostilities, but served certain time in the system of the People's Commissariat of Defense; workers of rear evacuation hospitals of the Red Army and Navy; workers, employees and collective farmers who took part in the fight against the invaders as part of partisan detachments behind enemy lines.
Medal "For Victory over Germany"
Artists E. M. Romanov and K. Andrianov
In total, 14 million 900 thousand people were awarded this medal.
The task to prepare a project for such a medal was given by Army General A.V. Khrulev on May 21, 1945. On July 4, a sample of a medal with the front side exactly the same as the medal “For Victory over Germany”, but with the inscription on the back side “For valiant labor in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945” was submitted for government approval. The difference was also that the medal “For Victory...” was made of brass, and the medal “For Valiant Labor...” was made of copper.
Medal "For Valuable Labor"
in the Great Patriotic War 1941 - 1945."
(obverse and reverse). Established in 1945.
The medal was established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated June 6, 1945. It could be received by all rear workers - workers, office workers, collective farmers, scientists and cultural figures, 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. To be awarded a medal, one had to work for at least one year from June 1941 to May 1945. In total, about 16 million 100 thousand people were awarded the medal.
All participants in the battles in the Far East in 1945 were entitled to the medal “For Victory over Japan.” It was established by the Decree of the Presidum of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of September 30, 1945. The author of the drawing is the artist M. L. Lukina.
Medal "For Victory over Japan".
(obverse and reverse). Established in 1945. Artist M. L. Lukina
In addition to direct participants in the battles, this award was given to military personnel of the central departments of the Soviet Armed Forces who took part in supporting the combat operations of our troops in the Far East. In total, more than 1 million 800 thousand people were awarded the medal “For Victory over Japan”.
The highest degree of distinction - the title of Hero of the Soviet Union - was established on April 16, 1934. Somewhat later, on August 1, 1939, the Gold Star medal was established, which was awarded to those who received this high rank.
Medal "Golden Star" of the Hero of the Soviet Union
(obverse and reverse). Established in 1939
During the Great Patriotic War, 11,635 soldiers, as well as partisans and underground fighters, earned the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. 115 of them were awarded this distinction twice, and two - fighter pilots Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin and Ivan Nikitich Kozhedub - wore three Gold Star medals on their chests on the Day of Victory over Nazi Germany.
Medal of Honor". Established in 1938
The Medal "For Courage" was established on October 17, 1938. During the war years Medal of Honor" has been issued more than 4 million times.
Medal "For Military Merit". Established in 1938.
The group of B. M. Khomich worked on the drawings of naval medals. Seniority belonged to the award named after F. F. Ushakov. The Ushakov medal was silver, one of its elements was an anchor, the reverse side of the Ushakov medal was smooth. The color combination of ribbons for the Ushakov medal repeated the combination of the order of the same name. An original addition to the ribbon of the Ushakov medal was a silver miniature anchor chain.
Ushakov Medal (obverse and reverse).
Established in 1944. 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 medals: Ushakov medals and Nakhimov medals.” In total, the Ushakov medal has been issued more than 15 thousand times to date.
The Nakhimov medal was made of bronze. On the back of Nakhimov's medal there was a sailing battleship, similar to those that defeated and destroyed the Turkish squadron in the famous Battle of Sinop in 1853 under the leadership of Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov. The ribbon of Nakhimov's medal resembles the color of the collar of a sailor's uniform shirt - three white stripes on a blue background.
Nakhimov Medal (obverse and reverse).
Established in 1944. 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 medals: Ushakov medals and Nakhimov medals.” In total, 467 awards were made with the Order of Nakhimov, II degree. Among those awarded were two units of the USSR Navy - the only ones in the Soviet Armed Forces awarded two naval orders. Military merits The fifty-first Tallinn Red Banner Mine and Torpedo Aviation Regiment of the Baltic Fleet Air Force was awarded the Orders of Ushakov and Nakhimov. In total, more than 13 thousand people were awarded the Nakhimov medal.
On May 21, 1943, for military personnel of units and formations awarded the rank of guards, it was established badge "Guard". The artist S.I. Dmitriev was commissioned to make 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”. Based on the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated June 11, 1943, this sign was also placed on the banners of armies and corps that received the title 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.
Established in 1943. Artist S. I. Dmitriev
In total, during the war, until May 9, 1945, the following guards titles 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 aviation and 6 anti-aircraft artillery divisions; 7 rocket artillery divisions; many dozens of brigades and regiments. The Navy had 18 surface guard ships, 16 submarines, 13 divisions of combat boats, 2 air divisions, 1 marine brigade and 1 naval railway artillery brigade.
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 the 1st and 2nd degrees” was signed and along 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 awards were given to representatives of all major branches of the military.
Order of the Patriotic War. I degree
The Order of the Patriotic War, I and II degrees, could be received by privates and commanding staff The Red Army, Navy, NKVD troops and partisans who showed courage, tenacity and courage in battles with the Nazis, or through their actions contributed to the success of the military operations of the Soviet troops. The right to this order was specifically stipulated for civilians who were awarded for their contribution to the common victory over the enemy.
The Order of the 1st degree 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 ones. The Order of the 2nd degree could be earned by someone who personally destroys 1 heavy or medium tank or 2 light tanks, or as part of a gun crew 2 heavy or medium or 3 light enemy tanks.
In June 1942, a decision was made 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 excellence in battles against the Nazis and for skillful leadership of military operations.
Order of Suvorov on the screw. I degree
The 1st degree of the Order of Suvorov was awarded to commanders of fronts and armies, their deputies, chiefs of staff, operational departments and branches of troops of fronts and armies for a well-organized and carried out operation on the scale of an army or front, as a result of which the enemy was defeated or destroyed. One circumstance was particularly stipulated - victory had to be won by smaller forces over a numerically superior enemy, according to the famous Suvorov rule: “The enemy is beaten not by numbers, but by skill.”
Order of Suvorov on the screw and on the block. II degree
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 the enemy’s modern defensive line with its subsequent pursuit and destruction, as well as for organizing a battle in an encirclement, escape from encirclement while maintaining the combat effectiveness of their units, their weapons and equipment. The 2nd degree badge 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 dealt to the enemy, providing successful completion army operation."
Order of Suvorov on the screw. III degree
Order of Suvorov III degree was intended to reward commanders of regiments, battalions and companies for skillfully organizing and carrying out a victorious battle with forces smaller than those of the enemy.
The Order of Kutuzov (project of the artist N. I. Moskalev) 1st degree could be received by the commander of the front, army, his deputy or chief of staff for good organization forced withdrawal large connections with delivering counterattacks to the enemy, withdrawing one’s troops to new lines with small losses; for skillfully organizing the operation of large formations to combat superior enemy forces and maintaining their troops in constant readiness for a decisive offensive.
Order of Suvorov on the screw and on the block. I degree
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 launching a decisive counter-offensive.
Order of Kutuzov on the screw. II degree
One of the first Orders of Kutuzov, II degree, was awarded to Major General K. S. 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, K. S. Melnik’s army launched a counter-offensive and, having broken the enemy’s defense line, fought in the Yeisk region.
Order of Kutuzov on the screw. III degree
The regulations on the Order of Kutuzov, III degree, contain the following clause: the order can be given to an officer “for skillfully developing a battle plan that ensures clear interaction of all types of weapons and its successful outcome.”
In a drawing competition Architect I. S. Telyatnikov won the Order of Alexander Nevsky. The artist used a frame from the film “Alexander Nevsky”, which was released shortly before, where the Soviet actor Nikolai Cherkasov starred in the title role. His profile in this role was reproduced in a drawing of the future order. The medallion with a portrait image of Alexander Nevsky is in the center of a five-pointed red star, from which silver rays extend; Along the edges are ancient Russian military attributes - crossed reeds, a sword, a bow and a quiver of arrows.
According to the statute, the order was awarded to Red Army officers (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 him with few losses for their troops; for the successful completion of a combat mission with the destruction of all or most of the superior enemy forces; for commanding an artillery, tank or aviation unit that inflicted heavy damage on the enemy.
In total, during the war years, more than 42 thousand awards were made with the Order of Alexander Nevsky Soviet soldiers and about 70 foreign generals and officers. More than 1,470 military units and formations received the right to attach this order to the battle banner.
In the summer of 1943, the Soviet army was preparing to liberate Soviet Ukraine. The idea of an award bearing the name of an outstanding Ukrainian statesman and commander belongs to film director A.P. Dovzhenko and poet M. Bazhan. Pashchenko's project was recognized as the best. The main material for the order of the 1st degree is gold, II and III - silver. The statute of the order was approved along with the Decree establishing the order on October 10, 1943. The Order of Bohdan Khmelnitsky was awarded to soldiers and commanders of the Red Army, as well as partisans for their distinction in battles during the liberation of Soviet land from fascist invaders.
The Order of Bohdan Khmelnitsky, 1st degree, could be received by the commander of a front or army for a successful operation using skillful maneuver, as a result of which a city or region was liberated from the enemy, and the enemy was seriously defeated in manpower and equipment.
Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky. II degree
The Order of Bohdan Khmelnitsky, II degree, could be earned by an officer from corps commander to regiment commander for breaking through a fortified enemy line and a successful raid behind enemy lines.
Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky. III degree
The Order of Bohdan Khmelnitsky III degree could be received along with officers and partisan commanders sergeants, senior officers and ordinary soldiers of the Red Army and partisan detachments for the courage and resourcefulness shown in battles, which contributed to the accomplishment of the assigned combat mission.
In total, about eight and a half thousand awards were made with the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, including 323 first class, about 2,400 second class, and over 5,700 third class. Over a thousand military units and formations received the order as a collective award.
In October 1943, N.I. Moskalev’s project 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 and black, repeating the colors of the most honorable military award pre-revolutionary Russia- Order of St. George.
Order of Glory. I degree. Established in 1943
The Order of Glory was established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on 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 personal feat on the battlefield, and was issued in strict order - from lowest to highest degree.
The Order of Glory could be received by the one who was the first to break into the enemy’s position, who in battle saved the banner of his unit or captured the enemy’s, who, risking his life, saved the commander in battle, who shot down a fascist plane with a personal weapon (rifle or machine gun) or destroyed up to 50 enemy soldiers, etc.
In total, about a million badges of the Order of Glory, III degree, were issued for distinction during the Great Patriotic War, more than 46 thousand - II degree, and about 2,600 - I degree.
By 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, 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.”
Order of Victory. A. I. Kuznetsov
In total, 19 awards were made during the years of the Great Patriotic War. Order of Victory. It was received twice by Generalissimo of the Soviet Union I.V. Stalin, Marshals G.K. Zhukov and A.M. Vasilevsky. Marshals I. S. Konev, K. K. Rokossovsky, R. Ya. Malinovsky, F. I. Tolbukhin, L. A. Govorov, S. K. Timoshenko and Army General A. I. each received one order for their skillful leadership of the troops. Antonov. Marshal K. A. Meretskov was awarded for distinction in the war with Japan.
In addition, five foreign military leaders were awarded the Soviet military order for their contribution to the overall victory over fascism. These are the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the People's Liberation Army of Yugoslavia, Marshal Broz Tito, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Army, Marshal M. Rolya-Zhimierski, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Expeditionary Armed Forces in Western Europe, General of the Army D. Eisenhower, the Commander of the Army Group in Western Europe, B. Montgomery and former king Romania Mihai.
Orders named after great naval commanders could be awarded to officers of the Navy “for outstanding services in organizing, leading and supporting combat operations and for the successes achieved as a result of these operations in the battles for the Motherland.”
Established in 1944. Artist B. M. Khomich
The Order of Ushakov is superior to the Order of Nakhimov. The Order of Ushakov is divided into two degrees. The first degree of the Order of Ushakov was made of platinum, the second - from gold. For the Order of Ushakov, the colors of the St. Andrew's naval flag of pre-revolutionary Russia were taken - white and 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, resulting in victory over a numerically superior enemy. It could have been a naval battle that resulted in the destruction of significant enemy forces; successful landing operation which led to the destruction coastal bases and enemy fortifications; bold actions on the fascist sea communications, as a result of which valuable assets were sunk warships and enemy transports. 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 the sketch of the Order of Nakhimov, the star was made up of five anchors, with their stems facing the medallion with a portrait of the admiral from a drawing by V. F. Timm. The Order of Nakhimov is divided into two degrees. The first degree of the Order of Nakhimov was supposed to be gold, the second - silver. The rays of the star on the 1st class order were made of rubies. For the ribbon of the Order of Nakhimov, a combination of the colors of the Order of George was taken - orange and black.
Established in 1944. 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, implementation and provision of maritime operations, as a result of which an offensive operation of the enemy was repelled or ensured active operations fleet, inflicted significant damage on the enemy and preserved its main forces; for a successful defensive operation, as a result of which the enemy was defeated; for a well-conducted anti-landing operation that inflicted heavy losses on the enemy; for skillful actions in defending one’s bases and communications from the enemy, which led to the destruction of significant enemy forces and the disruption of his offensive operation.”
Established in 1924
In 1924, two years after the formation of the USSR, an all-Union combat Order of the Red Banner. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers of the Soviet Army, partisans and civilians performed feats during the Great Patriotic War that were recognized with this award.
Established in 1930
On April 6, 1930, the Order of Lenin was approved. During the Great Patriotic War, the Order of Lenin was earned for combat distinctions more than 36 thousand people.
Established in 1930
April 6, 1930 approved Order of the Red Star. During the Great Patriotic War Order of the Red Star was issued about 2900 thousand times.