Orders, decorations, and medals of the Soviet Union
Awards and decorations of the Soviet Union are decorations from the Former Soviet Union that recognised achievements and personal accomplishments, both military and civilian. Some of the awards, decorations and orders were discontinued after the collapse of the Soviet Union, while others still issued by the Russian Federation as of 2009. Many of the awards were simply reworked in the Russian Federation, such as the transition of Hero Of The Soviet Union to Hero Of The Russian Federation. A wide range of Soviet awards and decorations cover the extensive and diverse period of history from 1917 to 1991.
Hero titles
Badge And Ribbon | Name (English/Russian/Translit) | Creation Date | Description | Number Awarded |
Hero Of The Soviet Union |
16 April, 1934 | Hero Of The Soviet Union was the highest honorary title that could be given to both civilians and soldiers for accomplishments in promoting peace, promoting socialism, protecting the motherland, or a heroic act to help others. | 12,745 | |
Hero Of Socialist Labour |
27 December 1938 | Given to workers for improving production and efficiency. | 20,812 | |
(Order Of The) Mother Heroine |
8 July 1944 | This decoration was awarded to all mothers bearing and raising 10 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. | 454,142 (1 Male) |
Honorary titles
Badge and ribbon | Name (English/Russian/Translit) | Creation date | Description | Number awarded |
14 August 1958 | Awarded To Soviet Military And Civilian Test Pilots For Distinguished Service To The Soviet Union. | |||
14 August 1958 | Awarded To Soviet Military And Civilian Test Navigators For Distinguished Service To The Soviet Union. | |||
Pilot Cosmonaut Of The Soviet Union |
14 April 1961 | Awarded To Soviet Cosmonauts. | 56 | |
26 January 1965 | Awarded to Soviet military pilots for distinguished service to the military aviation of the Soviet Union. | |||
26 January 1965 | Awarded to Soviet military aviation navigators for distinguished service to the military aviation of the Soviet Union. | |||
30 September 1965 | Awarded to Soviet civilian pilots for distinguished service to the civil aviation of the Soviet Union. | |||
30 September 1965 | Awarded to Soviet civilian aviation navigators for distinguished service to the civil aviation of the Soviet Union. | |||
Inventor Of The Soviet Union |
1981 | Awarded for innovative proposals. | ||
Awarded to Soviet blood donors. |
Orders for military personnel
Badge And Ribbon | Name (English/Russian/Translit) | Creation Date | Description | Number Awarded |
Order Of Victory |
8 November 1943 | The Order of Victory was the highest military decoration in the Soviet Armed Forces 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 150 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. | 20 | |
Order Of The Red Banner |
16 September 1918 | 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 executioners for mass executions. | 581,300 | |
Order Of The Red Star |
6 April 1930 | 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. | 3,876,740 | |
Order Of The Patriotic War (1st Class) |
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 1st class of the Order. | 2,627,899 | |
Order Of The Patriotic War (2nd Class) |
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 1st class of the Order. | 6,716,384 | |
Order Of Alexander Nevsky |
29 July 1942 | To officers of the army for personal courage and resolute leadership. | 50,585 | |
Order Of Suvorov (1st Class) |
29 July 1942 | The 1st class order is awarded to army commanders for exceptional direction of combat operations. | 393 | |
Order Of Suvorov (2nd Class) |
29 July 1942 | The 2nd class order is awarded to corps, divisions and brigade commanders for a decisive victory over a numerically superior enemy. | 2,862 | |
Order Of Suvorov (3rd Class) |
4 February 1943 | 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. | 4,012 | |
Order Of Kutuzov (1st Class) |
29 July 1942 | The Order Of Kutuzov (1st Class) was created to award commanders of fronts and armies for skillful evasions of enemy attacks and successful counter attacks. | 669 | |
Order Of Kutuzov (2nd Class) |
29 July 1942 | The Order Of Kutuzov (2nd Class) was created to award commanders of corps, divisions and brigades for skillful evasions of enemy attacks and successful counterattacks. | 3,325 | |
Order Of Kutuzov (3rd Class) |
8 February 1943 | The Order Of Kutuzov (3rd Class) was created to award commanders, their chiefs of staff, battalion and company commanders for skillful evasions of enemy attacks and successful counterattacks. | 3,328 | |
Order Of Bogdan Khmelnitsky (1st Class) |
10 October 1943 | The 1st 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) |
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) |
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 (1st Class) |
8 November 1943 | The Order Of Glory, modeled 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. | 2,620 | |
Order Of Glory (2nd Class) |
8 November 1943 | The Order Of Glory, modeled 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. | 46,473 | |
Order Of Glory (3rd Class) |
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. | 997,815 | |
Order Of Ushakov (1st Class) |
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. | 47 | |
Order Of Ushakov (2nd Class) |
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. | 198 | |
Order Of Nakhimov (1st Class) |
3 March 1944 | Awarded to naval officers for outstanding planning and execution of operations. | 80 | |
Order Of Nakhimov (2nd Class) |
3 March 1944 | Awarded to naval officers for outstanding planning and execution of operations. | 467 | |
Order For Service To The Homeland In The Armed Forces (1st Class) |
28 October 1974 | 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. | 13 | |
Order For Service To The Homeland In The Armed Forces (2nd Class) |
28 October 1974 | 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. | 589 | |
Order For Service To The Homeland In The Armed Forces (3rd Class) |
28 October 1974 | 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. | 69,576 |
Orders for military and civilian personnel
Badge And Ribbon | Name (English/Russian/Translit) | Creation Date | Description | Number Awarded |
Order Of Lenin |
6 April 1930 | 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. | 462,184 | |
Order Of Friendship Of Peoples |
17 October 1972 | This order was awarded to persons, organizations, 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". | 77,719 |
Orders for civilian personnel
Badge And Ribbon | Name (English/Russian/Translit) | Creation Date | Description | Number Awarded |
Order Of The Red Banner Of Labour |
28 December 1920 | This order was established as the civilian counterpart of the military Order of the Red Banner and was awarded for exceptional working achievements. | 1,259,942 | |
Order Of The Badge Of Honour |
25 November 1935 | 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. | 1,574,368 | |
Order Of Maternal Glory (1st Class) |
8 July 1944 | 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. | 881,070 | |
Order Of Maternal Glory (2nd Class) |
8 July 1944 | 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. | 1,697,223 | |
Order Of Maternal Glory (3rd Class) |
8 July 1944 | 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. | 3,083,328 | |
Order Of The October Revolution |
31 October 1967 | 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. | 106,462 | |
Order Of Labour Glory (1st Class) |
18 January 1974 | Closely modeled 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 1st 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. | 952 | |
Order Of Labour Glory (2nd Class) |
18 January 1974 | Closely modeled 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 1st 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. | 45,197 | |
Order Of Labour Glory (3rd Class) |
18 January 1974 | Closely modeled 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 1st 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. | 637,816 | |
Order Of Honour |
28 December 1988 | This order conferred on citizens of the U.S.S.R. for "outstanding achievements in production, scientific research and social, cultural and other forms of social activity". | ||
Order For Personal Courage |
28 December 1988 | This decoration could be awarded to any USSR citizen showing outstanding courage and bravery during life-saving, keeping of public order and safeguard of State property, as well as for fighting crime, environmental catastrophes and other exceptional events. | 529 |
Military medals
General
Badge And Ribbon | Name (English/Russian/Translit) | Creation Date | Description | Number Awarded |
For Valour |
17 October 1938 | The Medal for Valour was the highest military medal that could be awarded to a soldier for bravery on the field of battle. it was awarded for "acts of bravery during a battle, during the defence of the state borders or during military duties associated with risk for life." | 4,569,893 | |
For Combat Merits |
17 October 1938 | 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. | 5,210,078 | |
Partisan Medal (1st Class) |
22 February 1943 | Awarded to partisans and partisan movement organizers for courage and valour against occupying troops during the Great Patriotic War. | 56,883 | |
Partisan Medal (2nd Class) |
22 February 1943 | Awarded to partisans and partisan movement organizers for courage and valour against occupying troops during the Great Patriotic War. | 70,992 | |
Ushakov Medal |
3 March 1944 | 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). | 15,641 | |
Nakhimov Medal |
3 March 1944 | 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. | 14,020 | |
Distinguished Service In Guarding The State Border |
13 July 1950 | Awarded to K.G.B. Border Troops personnel for military or other actions displaying excellence in guarding the Soviet borders. | c. 67,000 | |
For Preservation Of Public Order |
1 November 1950 | Awarded to members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) and its Internal Troops for aiding in preserving public order. | c. 47,000 | |
Distinguished Military Service (1st Class) |
28 October 1974 | Awarded to all military personnel for Distinguished Service. | c. 20,000 | |
Distinguished Military Service (2nd Class) |
28 October 1974 | Awarded to all military personnel for Distinguished Service. | c. 120,000 | |
For Strengthening Combat Co-Operation |
25 May 1979 | Awarded to service personnel who strengthened the military co-operation of the forces of the Warsaw Pact nations. | c. 20,000 |
Long service medals
Badge And Ribbon | Name (English/Russian/Translit) | Creation Date | Description | Number Awarded |
For 10 Years Military Service |
25 January 1958 | Awarded for 10 years good service. | ||
For 15 Years Military Service |
25 January 1958 | Awarded for 15 years good service. | ||
For 20 Years Military Service |
25 January 1958 | Awarded for 20 years good service. | ||
Veteran Of The Soviet Armed Forces |
25 May 1976 | For 25 Years military service. | c. 880,000 |
Campaign medals
Great Patriotic War Defensive Campaign Medals
Badge And Ribbon | Name (English/Russian/Translit) | Creation Date | Description | Number Awarded |
For The Defence Of Leningrad |
22 December 1942 | Awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defence of Leningrad between 8 September 1941 and 27 January 1944. | c. 1,496,000 | |
For The Defence Of Odessa |
22 December 1942 | Awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defence of Odessa between 10 August and 16 October, 1941. | c. 38,000 | |
For The Defence Of Sevastopol |
22 December 1942 | Awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defence of Sevastopol between 5 November 1941 and 4 July 1942. | 52,540 | |
For The Defence Of Stalingrad |
22 December 1942 | Awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defence of Stalingrad between 12 July and 19 November, 1942. | 759,560 | |
For The Defence Of Moscow |
1 May 1944 | Awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defence of Moscow between 19 October 1941 and 25 January 1942. | 1,028,600 | |
For The Defence Of The Caucasus |
1 May 1944 | Awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defence of the Caucasus region between July 1942 and 9 October 1943. | c. 870,000 | |
For The Defence Of The Soviet Transarctic |
5 December 1944 | Awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defence of the Soviet Transarctic regions between 25 June 1941 and 19 September 1944. | 353,240 | |
For The Defence Of Kiev |
21 June, 1961 | Awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defence of Kiev between 7 July and 26 September 1941. | 107,540 |
Great Patriotic War Offensive Campaign Medals
Badge And Ribbon | Name (English/Russian/Translit) | Creation Date | Description | Number Awarded |
For the Capture of Berlin |
9 June 1945 | Awarded to Soviet service personnel who took part in the capture of Berlin from 22 April and 2 May 1945 | c. 1,100,000 | |
For the Capture of Budapest |
9 June 1945 | Awarded to Soviet service personnel who took part in the capture of Budapest which fell on 13 February 1945. | 362,050 | |
For the Capture of Königsberg |
9 June 1945 | Awarded to Soviet service personnel who took part in the capture of Königsberg between 23 January and 10 April, 1945. | c. 760,000 | |
For the Liberation of Prague |
9 June 1945 | Awarded to Soviet service personnel who took part in the liberation of Prague between the 3 May and 9 May 1945. | 400,070 | |
For the Capture of Vienna |
9 June 1945 | Awarded to Soviet service personnel who took part in the capture of Vienna between 16 March and 13 April 1945 | 277,380 | |
For the Liberation of Warsaw |
9 June 1945 | Awarded to Soviet service personnel who took part in the liberation of Warsaw between the 14th and 17 January 1945. | 701,700 | |
For the Liberation of Belgrade |
21 June 1961 | Awarded to Soviet service personnel who took part in the liberation of Belgrade between 29 September and 22 October 1944. | c. 70,000 | |
For the Victory Over Germany |
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). | 14,933,000 | |
For the Victory Over Japan |
30 September 1945 | Awarded to Soviet service personnel of the 1st and 2nd Far East Transbaikal Fronts, Pacific Fleet and Amur River Flotilla who were active between 8 August and 23 August 1945. | c. 1,831,000 |
Civilian medals
Badge And Ribbon | Name (English/Russian/Translit) | Creation Date | Description | Number Awarded |
Medal For Labour Valour |
27 December 1938 | 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. | 1,825,100 | |
Medal For Distinguished Labour |
27 December 1938 | Awarded to labourers who distinguished themselves with high production rates or for development of culture/science/manufacturing. | 2,146,400 | |
Heroic Labour During The Great Patriotic War |
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.) | 16,096,750 | |
Excellence In Maintaining Public Order |
1 November 1950 | Awarded 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. | c. 27,000 | |
For The Rescue Of The Drowning |
16 February 1957 | Awarded to any person (Soviet or not) 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. | c27,000 | |
For Courage During Fire |
30 October 1957 | 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. | c32,000 | |
Veteran Of Labour |
18 January 1974 | Awarded to all workers (Military or Civilian) at Retirement. | c39,197,100 |
Development and restoration campaigns
Badge And Ribbon | Name (English/Russian/Translit) | Creation Date | Description | Number Awarded |
Restoration Of The Donbass Coal Mines |
10 September 1947 | Awarded to the Soviet supervisors and machine operators of the Donbass (most of the work was done by prisoners of war). 129 large coal pits, 889 smaller coal pits and 300 mine heads were rebuilt or constructed. 700 lifting machines were also made operative. | 46,350 | |
Restoration Of The Black Metallurgic Enterprises |
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. | 68,710 | |
Development Of The Virgin Lands |
20 October 1956 | 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 1954-1956. | c1,300,000 | |
Construction Of The Baikul-Amur Railway |
8 October 1976 | Awarded to workers on the Baikul-Amur Railway (BAM) for 2 years outstanding service between 1974 and 1984. | c69,000 | |
Development Of The Non-Black Earth Regions Of The Soviet Union |
30 September 1977 | Awarded for 3 years outstanding service in developing Soviet agriculture. | c55,000 | |
Development Of The Petrochemical Complex Of Western Siberia |
28 July 1978 | Awarded for 3 years outstanding service in the Petrochemical Complex Of Western Siberia. | c38,000 |
Motherhood medals
Badge And Ribbon | Name (English/Russian/Translit) | Creation Date | Description | Number Awarded |
Motherhood Medal (1st Class) |
8 July 1944 | 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. | c4,000,000 | |
Motherhood Medal (2nd Class) |
8 July 1944 | This decoration was awarded to all mothers bearing and raising 5 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. | c8,000,000 |
Commemorative medals
Years since the creation of the Soviet Armed Forces
Badge And Ribbon | Name (English/Russian/Translit) | Creation Date | Description | Number Awarded |
20 Years Since The Creation Of The Worker's And Peasants' Red Army |
24 January 1938 | Awarded to Commanders of the Soviet 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. (To be returned upon death.) | 37,504 | |
30 Years Since The Creation Of The Soviet Army And Navy |
18 February 1948 | Awarded to everyone serving in the military of the Soviet Union 23 February 1948 | 3,710,920 | |
40 Years Since The Creation Of The Soviet Armed Forces |
18 December 1957 | Awarded to everyone serving in the military of the Soviet Union 23 February 1958 | 820,080 | |
50 Years Since The Creation Of The Soviet Armed Forces |
26 December 1967 | Awarded to
23 February 1968 |
9,527,270 | |
60 Years Since The Creation Of The Soviet Armed Forces |
28 January 1978 | Awarded to
23 February 1978 |
10,723,340 | |
70 Years Since The Creation Of The Soviet Armed Forces |
28 January 1988 | Awarded to
23 February 1988 |
9,842,160 |
Commemoration of victory in the Great Patriotic War
Badge And Ribbon | Name (English/Russian/Translit) | Creation Date | Description | Number Awarded |
20 Years Of Victory In The Great Patriotic War |
7 May 1965 | Awarded to all surviving participants of the Great Patriotic War. | 16,399,550 | |
30 Years Of Victory In The Great Patriotic War |
25 April 1975 | Awarded to all surviving participants of the Great Patriotic War. | 14,259,560 | |
40 Years Of Victory In The Great Patriotic War |
12 April 1985 | Awarded to all surviving participants of the Great Patriotic War. | 11,268,980 |
Other commemorative medals
Badge And Ribbon | Name (English/Russian/Translit) | Creation Date | Description | Number Awarded |
800th Anniversary Of Moscow |
20 September 1947 | 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. | c1,730,000 | |
250th Anniversary Of Leningrad |
16 May 1957 | 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. | c1,440,000 | |
50th Anniversary Of The Soviet Militia |
21 November 1967 | Awarded to all members of the Soviet militsiya serving on 21 November 1967 | c250,000 | |
100th Birthday Of Vladimir Lenin* |
5 November 1969 | Awarded to all persons in state service on the occasion of Lenin's 100th Birthday, April 1970. (There are three different versions of this medal: a military version, a civilian version and a "for non-Soviet citizens" version.) | 9,000,000 workers / 2,000,000 military personnel / 5000 members of foreign delegations | |
50th Anniversary Of The Soviet Armenian Republic* |
1973 | |||
1500th Anniversary Of Kiev |
10 May 1982 | Awarded to all citizens of Kiev who had lived there at least 10 years. Also awarded to all surviving holders of the Medal for the Defence of Kiev. | c700,000 |
All-Union Civilian badges
Badge And Ribbon | Name (English/Russian/Translit) | Creation Date | Description | Number Awarded |
Winner of the Socialist Competition
|
Awarded for winning the socialist competition. | |||
Blood Donor (1st Class) Донор СССР(первой степени) |
For donating blood. | |||
Blood Donor (2nd Class) Донор СССР(второй степени) |
For donating blood. | |||
Blood Donor (3rd Class) Донор СССР(третьей степени) |
For donating blood. |
Military badges
Badge And Ribbon | Name (English/Russian/Translit) | Creation Date | Description | Number Awarded |
Excellence In The Workers' And Peasants' Red Army |
Issued to Red Army personnel for excellence before the force was renamed after the Great Patriotic War. | |||
10th Anniversary Of The O.G.P.U. |
1927 | Issued to members of the Soviet Political Police. | ||
1939 | Issued to service personnel who took part in the Battle of Lake Khasan against Japanese forces. | |||
Excellent Propagandist Of The M.V.D.. |
Awarded to M.V.D. personnel for excellent work in propaganda promoting the works of the M.V.D. using various art forms and media. | |||
Excellence In The D.O.S.A.A.F. |
Issued to D.O.S.A.A.F. personnel for excellence in supporting the armed forces. | |||
50th Anniversary Of The D.O.S.A.A.F. |
||||
Honoured Worker Of The Labour Ministry |
Great Patriotic War Excellence Badges
Badge And Ribbon | Name (English/Russian/Translit) | Creation Date | Description | Number Awarded |
Excellent Artillery Personnel |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Sniper |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Tank Crew Personnel |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Machinegunner |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Mortar Specialist |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Submariner |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Torpedo Specialist |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Cook |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Combat Engineer |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Medic |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Reconnaissance Scout |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Antiaircraft Gunner |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Driver |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Tractor Driver |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Fire Fighter |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Railway Troop |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Signaler |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Pontoon Bridge Engineer |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Baker |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Road Worker |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Marksmanship |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellent Land Mine Specialist |
21 May 1942 | |||
Excellence In The Air Force |
1950 |
Local badges
Badge And Ribbon | Name (English/Russian/Translit) | Creation Date | Description | Number Awarded | |
Excellence in socialist competition in gold and platinum mining
|
Awarded to workers in the gold and platinum mining industries for excellent labour. |
Leninist Young Communist League Awards
Badge And Ribbon | Name (English/Russian/Translit) | Creation Date | Description | Number Awarded |
For Environmental Protection Для Защиты окружающей среды |
Issued by the Leninist Young Communist League Of The Soviet Union. |
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.
See also
- Orders, decorations, and medals of the Russian Federation
- Orders, decorations, and medals of Belarus
References
- Paul D. McDaniel, Paul J. Schmitt (1997) The Comprehensive Guide to Soviet Orders and Medals. ISBN 0965628906