The highest honorary title that could be given to both Soviet civilians and soldiers for a heroic act (may also be awarded with an Order of Lenin).[1][2]
This title was awarded to all mothers bearing and raising ten or more children. It was awarded upon the first birthday of the last child, provided that nine other children (natural or adopted) remained alive. Children who had perished under heroic, military or other respectful circumstances were also counted.[5]
Awarded to military and civilian test-pilots first class of the civilian aircraft industry and of the Ministry of Defense of the USSR, for multiple years of creative work in the field of testing and research of new aviation technologies.[6][7]
Awarded to military and civilian test-navigators first class of the civilian aircraft industry and of the Ministry of Defense of the USSR, for multiple years of creative work in the field of testing and research of new aviation technologies.[6][7]
Awarded to members of military flying units, military agencies, military schools, military organizations and other military or federal authorities, having qualified military pilots first class or military pilot-instructors first class, for outstanding achievements in the development of aviation technology, high performance in education and training of flight personnel and long-term trouble-free flight operations in military aviation.[7][9]
Awarded to members of military flying units, military agencies, military schools, military organizations and other military or federal authorities, having qualified military navigators first class or military navigator-instructors first class, for outstanding achievements in the development of aviation technology, high performance in education and training of flight personnel and long-term trouble-free flight operations in military aviation.[7][9]
Awarded to qualified civilian pilots first class for special merit in the development of modern aircraft, in the use of the most advanced piloting techniques, for the highest standards in education and training of flight personnel, for long-term trouble-free flying and for outstanding achievements in the use of aviation in the national economy.[7][10]
Awarded to qualified civilian navigators first class for special merit in the development of modern aircraft, in the use of the most advanced navigating techniques, for the highest standards in education and training of flight personnel, for long-term trouble-free flying and for outstanding achievements in the use of aviation in the national economy.[7][10]
This decoration was awarded for worthwhile contributions to the national education system and, mainly, in teaching communism to children and young people.
The Order of Victory was the highest military decoration in the Soviet Armed Forces for World War II service, and one of the rarest in the world due to the small number of recipients. It was established on 8 November 1943 and awarded only to Generals and Marshals for "successful operation within the framework of one or several fronts resulting in a radical change of the situation in favour of the Red Army". Made of platinum, rubies and 174 diamonds, the intrinsic value of the order is considerable. The badge depicts the Spasskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin, with Lenin's Mausoleum in front.[12]
The Order of the Red Banner recognised military deeds. Before the establishment of the Order of Lenin, the Order of the Red Banner functioned as the highest (and practically the only) military order of the USSR. Practically all well-known Soviet commanders became Cavaliers of the Order of the Red Banner. Also awarded to NKVD personnel.[13][14]
The Order of the Red Star was given to Red Army and Navy personnel for exceptional service in the cause of the defence of the Soviet Union in both war and peace. Also awarded for 15 years of service prior to the creation of the long service awards.[15][16]
3,876,740
Order of the Patriotic War first class Орден Отечественной войны первой степени Orden Otechestvennoj vojny pervoj stepeni
20 May 1942
The Order of the Patriotic War was awarded to all soldiers in the Soviet armed forces, security troops, and to partisans for heroic deeds during the Great Patriotic War. In 1985 during the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War, it was decided that all surviving veterans of the war would be awarded either second or first class of the Order.
2,627,899
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class Орден Отечественной Войны второй степени Orden Otechestvennoj vojny vtoroj stepeni
20 May 1942
The Order of the Patriotic War was awarded to all soldiers in the Soviet armed forces, security troops, and to partisans for heroic deeds during the Great Patriotic War. In 1985 during the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War, it was decided that all surviving veterans of the war would be awarded either 2nd or first class of the Order.
To officers of the army for personal courage and resolute leadership.[17]
50,585
Order of Suvorov first class Орден Суворова первой степени Orden Suvorova pervoj stepeni
29 July 1942
The first class order is awarded to army commanders for exceptional direction of combat operations.[17]
393
Order of Suvorov 2nd class Орден Суворова второй степени Orden Suvorova vtoroj stepeni
29 July 1942
The 2nd class order is awarded to corps, divisions and brigade commanders for a decisive victory over a numerically superior enemy.[17]
2,862
Order of Suvorov 3rd class Орден Суворова третьей степени Orden Suvorova tret'ej stepeni
29 July 1942
The 3rd class order is awarded to regimental commanders, their chiefs of staff, and battalion and company commanders for outstanding leadership leading to a battle victory.[17]
4,012
Order Of Kutuzov first class Орден Кутузова первой степени Orden Kutuzova pervoj stepeni
29 July 1942
The Order Of Kutuzov (first class) was created to award commanders of fronts and armies for skilful evasions of enemy attacks and successful counter-attacks.[17]
669
Order Of Kutuzov 2nd class Орден Кутузова второй степени Orden Kutuzova vtoroj stepeni
29 July 1942
The Order Of Kutuzov (2nd class) was created to award commanders of corps, divisions and brigades for skilful evasions of enemy attacks and successful counter-attacks.[17]
3,325
Order Of Kutuzov 3rd class Орден Кутузова третьей степени Orden Kutuzova tеret'ej stepeni
8 February 1943
The Order Of Kutuzov (3rd class) was created to award commanders, their chiefs of staff, battalion and company commanders for skilful evasions of enemy attacks and successful counter-attacks.[18]
3,328
Order of Bogdan Khmelnitsky first class Орден Богдана Хмельницкого первой степени Orden Bogdana Hmel'nitskogo pervoj stepeni
10 October 1943
The first class order was awarded to front or army commanders for successful direction of combat operations that led to the liberation of a region or town inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.
323
Order of Bogdan Khmelnitsky 2nd class Орден Богдана Хмельницкого второй степени Orden Bogdana Hmel'nitskogo vtoroj stepeni
10 October 1943
The 2nd class order was awarded to corps, divisions, brigade or battalion commanders for a breach of defensive enemy line or a raid in the enemy rear.
2,389
Order Of Bogdan Khmelnitsky 3rd class Орден Богдана Хмельницкого третьей степени Orden Bogdana Hmel'nitskogo tret'ej stepeni
10 October 1943
The 3rd class medal was awarded to officers, partisan commanders, sergeants, corporals and privates of the Red Army and partisan units for outstanding bravery and resourcefulness leading to a battle victory.
5,738
Order of Glory first class Орден Славы первой степени Orden Slavy pervoj stepeni
8 November 1943
The Order of Glory, modelled closely upon the Tsarist Cross of St. George, was awarded to non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the armed forces, as well as junior lieutenants of the air force, for bravery in the face of the enemy. A person initially received the third degree, and would subsequently be promoted to higher degrees for further acts of bravery.[19]
2,620
Order of Glory 2nd class Орден Славы второй степени Orden Slavy vtoroj stepeni
8 November 1943
The Order of Glory, modelled closely upon the Tsarist Cross of St. George, was awarded to non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the armed forces, as well as junior lieutenants of the air force, for bravery in the face of the enemy. A person initially received the third degree, and would subsequently be promoted to higher degrees for further acts of bravery.[19]
46,473
Order of Glory 3rd class Орден Славы третьей степени Orden Slavy tret'ej stepeni
8 November 1943
The Order of Glory, modelled closely upon the Tsarist Cross of St. George, was awarded to non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the armed forces, as well as junior lieutenants of the air force, for bravery in the face of the enemy. A person initially received the third degree, and would subsequently be promoted to higher degrees for further acts of bravery.[19]
997,815
Order of Ushakov first class Орден Ушакова первой степени Orden Ushakova pervoj stepeni
3 March 1944
Awarded to naval officers for outstanding achievements in planning and conducting naval operations and for victories in combat resulting from such operations.[20]
47
Order of Ushakov 2nd class Орден Ушакова второй степени Orden Ushakova vtoroj stepeni
3 March 1944
Awarded to naval officers for excellent direction and successful planning of a sea battle against a numerically superior enemy that results in the annihilation of many forces.[20]
198
Order of Nakhimov first class Орден Нахимова первой степени Orden Nakhimova pervoj stepeni
3 March 1944
Awarded to naval officers for outstanding planning and execution of operations.[21]
80
Order of Nakhimov 2nd class Орден Нахимова второй степени Orden Nakhimova vtoroj stepeni
3 March 1944
Awarded to naval officers for outstanding planning and execution of operations.[21]
This order was awarded for exemplary service in the armed forces, both during a war and during peacetime. A recipient was first awarded a 3rd class order, then if further deeds were made, the second and the first class. Like the civilian Order of Labour Glory upon which it is modeled, it gave a certain number of material benefits to their owners.[22]
This order was awarded for exemplary service in the armed forces, both during a war and during peacetime. A recipient was first awarded a 3rd class order, then if further deeds were made, the second and the first class. Like the civilian Order Of Labour Glory upon which it is modeled, it gave a certain number of material benefits to their owners.[22]
This order was awarded for exemplary service in the armed forces, both during a war and during peacetime. A recipient was first awarded a 3rd class order, then if further deeds were made, the second and the first class. Like the civilian Order Of Labour Glory upon which it is modeled, it gave a certain number of material benefits to their owners.[22]
The Order of Lenin was the highest civil decoration. Given to both civilians and soldiers for outstanding service to the motherland in defence, strengthening peace and strengthening labour. From 1930–1934 made of silver, 1934–1936 made of gold and from 1936–1991 made of platinum.
Created for the 50th anniversary of the October Revolution, this order was awarded to individuals or groups for services furthering communism or the state or in enhancing the defences of the Soviet Union.
This order was awarded to persons, organisations, enterprises, military units, as well as administrative subdivisions of the USSR for "accomplishments in strengthening of inter-race and international friendship and cooperation, for economical, political, scientific, military and cultural development of the Soviet Union".
This order conferred on citizens of the USSR for "outstanding achievements in production, scientific research and social, cultural and other forms of social activity". It was replaced on 28 December 1988 by the Order of Honour, with an almost identical appearance.
This decoration was awarded to all mothers bearing and raising 9 children. It was awarded upon the first birthday of the last child, provided that eight other children (natural or adopted) remained alive. Children who had perished under heroic, military or other respectful circumstances were also counted.
This decoration was awarded to all mothers bearing and raising 8 children. It was awarded upon the first birthday of the last child, provided that seven other children (natural or adopted) remained alive. Children who had perished under heroic, military or other respectful circumstances were also counted.
This decoration was awarded to all mothers bearing and raising 7 children. It was awarded upon the first birthday of the last child, provided that six other children (natural or adopted) remained alive. Children who had perished under heroic, military or other respectful circumstances were also counted.
Closely modelled on the Order of Glory, this order was meant to be its civilian counterpart, awarded for exceptional labour achievements. In the same way as the Order of Glory, it was divided in three classes (the highest being the first class), with a person initially received the third degree, and subsequently promoted to higher degrees for further achievements. It also gave a certain number of material benefits to their owners, such as an increased pension raises and free public transport.
This decoration could be awarded to any USSR citizen showing outstanding courage and bravery during life-saving, keeping of public order and safeguard of Stateproperty, as well as for fighting crime, environmental catastrophes and other exceptional events.
The Medal for Courage was awarded for personal courage and valour displayed in defending the socialist motherland during the performance of military duties, for "acts of bravery during a battle, during the defence of the state borders or during military duties associated with risk to life".[23]
This military medal awarded for "combat action resulting in a military success", "courageous defence of the state borders", or "successful military and political training and preparation". Also awarded for 10 years of service prior to the creation of the long service awards.[24]
This medal was awarded to fleet officers and soldiers, both during war and peacetime, for courage and bravery during military operations, state borders patrol, and military duties with life risk. Note that the "peacetime" part results from a modification of the status in 1980 (before that, the medal used to be awarded only during wars).[27]
Awarded to those in Naval Service for valour and gallantry during sea battles and to for those not in naval service who with efficient and resourceful actions at the risk of their lives, contributed to the successful outcome of combat missions involving Soviet Naval Forces.[27]
Медаль «За отличную службу по охране общественного порядка»
Medal «Za otlichnuyu sluzhbu po ohrane obschestvennogo porjadka»
1 November 1950
Awarded to members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) and its Internal Troops for aiding in preserving public order and to all service personnel of the militsiya for courage shown during the liquidation of criminal groups and arrest of criminal or for excellence in organising and coordinating militia in combating crime or for selfless acts during the prevention of hooliganism/alcoholism/theft.[31][30]
Awarded to soldiers of the Soviet Army, Navy, border and internal troops: for excellent performance in combat and political training; for special distinction in exercises and manoeuvres in combat service and combat duty; for bravery, selflessness, and other services, shown during military service.[30][32]
Awarded to soldiers of the Soviet Army, Navy, border and internal troops: for excellent performance in combat and political training; for special distinction in exercises and manoeuvres in combat service and combat duty; for bravery, selflessness, and other services, shown during military service.[30][32]
Awarded to military personnel, to employees of state security, of internal affairs, and to other citizens of the states participants of the Warsaw Pact, as well as other socialist and other friendly nations for merit in strengthening military "Brotherhood in Arms".[30][33]
Awarded for 20 years of excellent service. Several different variants were awarded to different groups, such as the K.G.B, M.V.D, M.I.A, Soviet Army, and so on.[34]
Awarded for 15 years of excellent service. Several different variants were awarded to different groups, such as the K.G.B, M.V.D, M.I.A, Soviet Army, and so on.[34]
Awarded for 10 years of excellent service. Several different variants were awarded to different groups, such as the K.G.B, M.V.D, M.I.A, Soviet Army, and so on.[34]
Awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defence of the Soviet Trans-Arctic regions between 25 June 1941 and 19 September 1944.[40]
Медаль «За Победу над Германией в Великой Отечественной войне 1941-1945 гг.»
Medal «Za Pobedu nad Germaniej v Velikoj Otechestvennoj vojne 1941-1945 gg.»
9 May 1945
Awarded to Soviet service personnel who were on active service during the Great Patriotic War (Military service of 3 months or civil service of 6 months). Also awarded to some allied forces such as the post 9 September 1944 Bulgarian Armed Forces.[44]
Awarded to Soviet service personnel of the first and 2nd Far East Trans-Baikal Fronts, Pacific Fleet and Amur River Flotilla who were active between 8 August and 23 August 1945.[30][45]
Awarded to labourers who heroically dedicated themselves towards the building of a socialist society or have demonstrated a complete understanding of machinery/equipment to provide a high level of efficiency or for significant contributions in culture/science/manufacturing.[30][46][47][48]
Медаль «За доблестный труд в Великой Отечественной войне 1941—1945 гг.»
Medal «Za doblestnyj trud v Velikoj Otechestvennoj vojne 1941-1945 gg.»
6 June 1945
Awarded to all Soviet industrial workers for a term of one year or longer of labour during The Great Patriotic War. (6 months for disabled military veterans/professional school graduates/the retired who returned to work to aid.)[30][50]
Awarded to any person (of any nationality) for courage, bravery and selflessness whilst rescuing a person/people from water or for outstanding vigilance and resourcefulness preventing drowning or for excellence in organising of rescue operations in Soviet waters or of Soviet citizens.[30][51][52]
Awarded all Soviet citizens for courage and bravery in extinguishing fires or saving lives/state or private property from fire or for preventing explosions and fires.[30][53]
Awarded to workers, clerks, engineering and business professionals, for outstanding work, high production performance and achievements in the recovery of the Donbass coal mines.[30][59]
Медаль «За восстановление предприятий чёрной металлургии юга»
Medal «Za vosstanovlenie predprijatij chernoj metallurgii yuga»
18 May 1948
Awarded to Soviet workers of outstanding performance in restoring the Black Metallurgic Enterprises of the Soviet Union which were destroyed during the Great Patriotic War. 13 blast furnaces, 49 open furnaces, 29 finishing mills and 68 coke-oven batteries were restored to effective or outstanding production rates.[30][60]
Awarded to all Soviet workers who helped cultivate 36,000,000 hectares of previously uncultivated lands in Kazakhstan, Siberia, the Urals, the Volga area and the northern Caucasus for two solid years from 1954–56.[61]
This decoration was awarded to all mothers bearing and raising 6 children. It was awarded upon the first birthday of the last child, provided that five other children (natural or adopted) remained alive. Children who had perished under heroic, military, or other respectful circumstances were also counted.
c. 4,000,000
Medal Maternity 2nd class
Медаль Материнства II степени
Medal Materinstva II stepeni
8 July 1944
This decoration was awarded to all mothers bearing and raising five children. It was awarded upon the first birthday of the last child, provided that four other children (natural or adopted) remained alive. Children who had perished under heroic, military, or other respectful circumstances were also counted.
Юбилейная медаль «XX лет Рабоче-Крестьянской Красной Армии»
Yubilejnaja medal «XX let Raboche-Krest'janskoj Krasnoj Armii»
24 January 1938
Awarded to Commanders of the Red Army and Navy for 20 years of service and also all who were decorated with the Order of the Red Banner during the Civil War.[65]
Юбилейная медаль «Тридцать лет Победы в Великой Отечественной войне 1941–1945 гг.»
Yubilejnaja medal «Tridtsat let Pobedy v Velikoj Otechestvennoj vojne 1941-1945 gg.»
25 April 1975
Awarded to all surviving participants of the Great Patriotic War. 3 variants were awarded. One was given to Veterans of the War, One was given to the Labour Front, and One was given to Foreign Participants.[74]
Юбилейная медаль «Сорок лет Победы в Великой Отечественной войне 1941–1945 гг.»
Yubilejnaja medal «Sorok let Pobedy v Velikoj Otechestvennoj vojne 1941-1945 gg.»
12 April 1985
Awarded to all surviving participants of the Great Patriotic War. 3 variants were awarded. One was given to Veterans of the War, One was given to the Labour Front, and One was given to Foreign Participants.[75]
Awarded to all citizens who participated in the restoration and reconstruction of Moscow. With Citizenship of Moscow of five years or more. Also awarded to all surviving holders of the Medal for the Defence of Moscow.[30][76]
Awarded to all citizens who participated in the restoration and reconstruction of Leningrad. With Citizenship of Leningrad of five years or more. Also awarded to all surviving holders of the Medal for the Defence of Leningrad.[77]
Awarded to citizens of Kiev who had lived there for at least 10 years and who contributed to the economic, social and cultural development of the city. Also awarded to all surviving holders of the Medal for the Defence of Kiev.[78]
Юбилейная медаль «За доблестный труд в ознаменование 100-летия со дня рождения Владимира Ильича Ленина»
Medal «Za doblestnyj trud v oznamenovanie 100-letija so dnja rozhdenija Vladimira Il'icha Lenina»
5 November 1969
Awarded to highly skilled senior workers, farmers, specialists of the national economy, employees of public institutions and public organizations, scientists and cultural figures, who displayed the highest examples of work in preparation for the anniversary of Lenin; to those who took an active part in the struggle for the establishment of Soviet power, or to protect the homeland, or who have made a significant contribution to their work in the building of socialism in the USSR, who helped the party to educate the younger generation by their personal example and social activities.[30][80]
Юбилейная медаль «За воинскую доблесть в ознаменование 100-летия со дня рождения Владимира Ильича Ленина»
Medal «Za voinskuju doblest v oznamenovanie 100-letija so dnja rozhdenija Vladimira Il'icha Lenina»
5 November 1969
Awarded to soldiers of the Soviet Army, sailors of the Navy, troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, troops of the State Security Committee of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, who displayed excellent performance in combat and political training, good results in the management and maintenance of combat readiness in preparation for the anniversary of Lenin.[30][80]
Юбилейная медаль «В ознаменование 100-летия со дня рождения Владимира Ильича Ленина»
Medal «V oznamenovanie 100-letija so dnja rozhdenija Vladimira Il'icha Lenina»
5 November 1969
Awarded to foreign leaders of the international communist and labour movement and other progressive activists abroad.[30][80]
5000
Note: Several Soviet decorations were worn in full, so a ribbon bar was not created. However, since the fall of the USSR, some medals have had ribbon bars created for them. An asterisk, *, denotes these medals. Awards not showing a ribbon are worn in full at all times.
Walther, Ferdinand (1964). Soviet Decorations – Décorations Soviétiques. Montreal: Ferdinand Walther. OCLC894809159.
Zhaleiko, B. A. (1970–1979). "Orders of the USSR". The Great Soviet Encyclopedia. The Gale Group, Inc. – via TheFreeDictionary.com.
External links
Mondvor Narod—A very detailed site on the topic of Soviet Orders and Medals (in Russian)
www.soviet-medals-orders.com—A personal website by a collector from Switzerland, Oldrich Andrysek, presenting extensive collection of Soviet, Transdniestrian, Eastern European and some Mongolian awards with descriptions, images, news, reference materials of interest to phalerists and collections of soviet memorabilia. Well-illustrated, with exchange section and info on fraud.
Orders, decorations, and medals of the Soviet Union
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