Orders, decorations, and medals of the Soviet Union

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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
File:GoldStarOfTheHeroOfTheSovietUnion.jpg

Hero Of The Soviet Union
Герой Советского Союза
Geroj Sovetskogo Soyuza

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
Герой Социалистического Труда
Geroj Sotsialisticheskogo Truda

27 December 1938 Given to workers for improving production and efficiency. 20,812

(Order Of The) Mother Heroine
Мать-героиня
Mat'-geroinya

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
File:DistinguishedTestPilotOfTheSovietUnion.jpg

Distinguished Test Pilot Of The Soviet Union

14 August 1958 Awarded To Soviet Military And Civilian Test Pilots For Distinguished Service To The Soviet Union.
File:DistinguishedTestNavigatorOfTheSovietUnion.jpg

Distinguished Test Navigator Of The Soviet Union

14 August 1958 Awarded To Soviet Military And Civilian Test Navigators For Distinguished Service To The Soviet Union.
File:PilotCosmonautOfTheSovietUnion.jpg

Pilot Cosmonaut Of The Soviet Union
Лётчик-космонавт СССР
Lyotchik-kosmonavt SSSR

14 April 1961 Awarded To Soviet Cosmonauts. 56

Distinguished Military Pilot Of The Soviet Union

26 January 1965 Awarded to Soviet military pilots for distinguished service to the military aviation of the Soviet Union.

Distinguished Military Navigator Of The Soviet Union

26 January 1965 Awarded to Soviet military aviation navigators for distinguished service to the military aviation of the Soviet Union.

Distinguished Pilot Of The Soviet Union

30 September 1965 Awarded to Soviet civilian pilots for distinguished service to the civil aviation of the Soviet Union.

Distinguished Navigator 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
Изобретатель СССР
Izobretatel' SSSR

1981 Awarded for innovative proposals.

Honoured Blood Donor Of The Soviet Union

Awarded to Soviet blood donors.

Orders for military personnel

Badge And Ribbon Name (English/Russian/Translit) Creation Date Description Number Awarded

Order Of Victory
Орден "Победы"
Orden "Pobedy"

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
Орден "Крaсного Знамени"
Orden "Krasnogo Znameni"

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
Орден "Красная Звезда"
Orden "Krasnaja Zvezda"

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)
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 2nd or 1st 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 1st class of the Order. 6,716,384

Order Of Alexander Nevsky
Орден "Александра Невского"
Orden "Aleksandra Nevskogo"

29 July 1942 To officers of the army for personal courage and resolute leadership. 50,585
File:Order of suvorov medal 1st class.jpg

Order Of Suvorov (1st Class)
Орден "Суворова" (первой степени)
Orden "Suvorova" (Pervoj Stepeni)

29 July 1942 The 1st class order is awarded to army commanders for exceptional direction of combat operations. 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. 2,862

Order Of Suvorov (3rd Class)
Орден "Суворова" (третьей степени)
Orden "Suvorova" (Tret'ej Stepeni)

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
File:Order kutuzov1.jpg

Order Of Kutuzov (1st Class)
Орден "Кутузова" (первой степени)
Orden "Kutuzova" (Pervoj Stepeni)

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)
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 skillful evasions of enemy attacks and successful counterattacks. 3,325

Order Of Kutuzov (3rd Class)
Орден "Кутузова" (третьей степени)
Orden "Kutuzova" (Tret'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 skillful evasions of enemy attacks and successful counterattacks. 3,328

Order Of Bogdan Khmelnitsky (1st Class)
Орден "Богдана Хмельницкого" (первой степени)
Orden "Bogdana Khmel'nitskogo" (Pervoj Stepeni)

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
File:Order khmelnitsky2.jpg

Order Of Bogdan Khmelnitsky (2nd Class)
Орден "Богдана Хмельницкого" (второй степени)
Orden "Bogdana Khmel'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
File:Order khmelnitsky3.jpg

Order Of Bogdan Khmelnitsky (3rd Class)
Орден "Богдана Хмельницкого" (третьей степени)
Orden "Bogdana Khmel'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
File:OrderOfGlory1stClass.jpg

Order Of Glory (1st Class)
Орден "Славы" (первой степени)
Orden "Slavy" (Pervoj Stepeni)

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)
Орден "Славы" (второй степени)
Orden "Slavy"(Vtoroj Stepeni)

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
File:OrderOfGlory3rdClass.jpg

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. 997,815

Order Of Ushakov (1st 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. 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. 198

Order Of Nakhimov (1st Class)
Орден "Нахимова" (первой степени)
Orden "Nakhimova" (Pervoj Stepeni)

3 March 1944 Awarded to naval officers for outstanding planning and execution of operations. 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. 467

Order For Service To The Homeland In The Armed Forces (1st Class)
Орден "За службу Родине в Вооружённых Силах" (первой степени)
Orden "Za Sluzhbu Rodine v Vooruzhennykh Silakh" (Pervoj Stepeni)

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)
Орден "За службу Родине в Вооружённых Силах" (второй степени)
Orden "Za Sluzhbu Rodine v Vooruzhennykh Silakh" (Vtoroj Stepeni)

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)
Орден "За службу Родине в Вооружённых Силах" (третьей степени)
Orden "Za Sluzhbu Rodine v Vooruzhennykh Silakh" (Tret'ej Stepeni)

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
File:Order of Lenin.jpg

Order Of Lenin
Орден Ленина
Orden Lenina

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
File:OrderOfTheFriendshipOfPeoples.jpg

Order Of Friendship Of Peoples
Орден Дружбы Народов
Orden Druzhby Narodov

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
File:OrderOfTheRedBannerOfLabour.jpg

Order Of The Red Banner Of Labour
Орден "Трудового Красного Знамени"
Orden "Trudovogo Krasnogo Znameni"

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
File:Znakpocheta-3.jpg

Order Of The Badge Of Honour
Орден "Знак Почета"
Orden "Znak Pocheta"

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
File:MotherGlory1.jpg

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
File:OrderOfTheOctoberRevolution.jpg

Order Of The October Revolution
Орден "Октябрьской Революции"
Orden "Oktyabr'skoj Revolyutsii"

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)
Орден "Трудовой Славы" (первой степени)
Orden "Trudovoj Slavy" (Pervoj Stepeni)

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
File:OrderOfLabourGlory2ndClass.jpg

Order Of Labour Glory (2nd Class)
Орден "Трудовой Славы" (второй степени)
Orden "Trudovoj Slavy" (Vtoroj Stepeni)

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)
Орден "Трудовой Славы" (третьей степени)
Orden "Trudovoj Slavy" (Tret'ej Stepeni)

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
Орден "Почета"
Orden "Pocheta"

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".
File:OrderOfPersonalCourage.jpg

Order For Personal Courage
Орден "За Личное Мужество"
Orden "Za Lichnoe Muzhestvo"

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
Медаль "За Отвагу"
Medal' "Za Otvagu"

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
Медаль "За боевые заслуги"
Medal' "Za Boevye Zaslugi"

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
File:Partisan2nd.jpg

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
File:MUshakovA.jpg

Ushakov Medal
Медаль "Ушакова"
Medal' "Ushakova"

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
File:NakhimovMedal.jpg

Nakhimov Medal
Медаль "Нахимова"
Medal' "Nakhimova"

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
Медаль "за отличие в охране Государственной границы СССР"
Medal' "Za Otlichie V Okhrane Gosudarstvennoj Granitsy SSSR"

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
File:PublicOrder.jpg

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
File:DistinguishedMilitaryService1.jpg

Distinguished Military Service (1st Class)

28 October 1974 Awarded to all military personnel for Distinguished Service. c. 20,000
File:DistinguishedMilitaryService2.jpg

Distinguished Military Service (2nd Class)

28 October 1974 Awarded to all military personnel for Distinguished Service. c. 120,000
File:CombatCo-Operation.jpg

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
За 10 Лет Безупречной Службы

25 January 1958 Awarded for 10 years good service.

For 15 Years Military Service
За 15 Лет Безупречной Службы

25 January 1958 Awarded for 15 years good service.

For 20 Years Military Service
За 20 Лет Безупречной Службы

25 January 1958 Awarded for 20 years good service.
File:VeteranForces.jpg

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
За оборону Ленинграда
Za oboronu Leningrada

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
За оборону Одессы
Za oboronu Odessy

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
За оборону Севастополя
Za oboronu Sevastopolya

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
За оборону Сталинграда
Za oboronu Stalingrada

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
За оборону Москвы
Za oboronu Moskvy

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
За оборону Кавказа
Za oboronu Kavkaza

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
File:DefenceOfTheSovietTransarcticMedal.jpg

For The Defence Of The Soviet Transarctic
За оборону Советского Заполярья
Za oboronu Sovestkogo Zapoliarya

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
File:DefenceOfKievMedal.jpg

For The Defence Of Kiev
За оборону Киева
Za oboronu Kieva

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
File:CaptureOfBerlinMedal.jpg

For the Capture of Berlin
За взятие Берлина
Za vsyatie Berlina

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
За взятие Будапешта
Za vsyatie Budapeshta

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
За взятие Кенигсберга
Za vsyatie Kenigsberga

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
За освобождение Праги
Za osvobozhdenie Pragi

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
File:CaptureOfViennaMedal.jpg

For the Capture of Vienna
За взятие Вены
Za vzyatie Veny

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

File:Warsawribbon.gif

For the Liberation of Warsaw
За освобождение Варшавы
Za osvobozhdenie Warshavy

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
File:LiberationOfBelgradeMedal.jpg

For the Liberation of Belgrade
За освобождение Белграда
Za osvobozhdenie Belgrada

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
За победу над Германией
Za pobedu nad Germaniej

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
File:VictoryOverJapanMedal.jpg

For the Victory Over Japan
За победу над Японией
Za pobedu nad Yaponiej

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
За трудовую доблесть
Za trudovuyu doblest'

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
За трудовое отличие
Za trudovoe otlichie

27 December 1938 Awarded to labourers who distinguished themselves with high production rates or for development of culture/science/manufacturing. 2,146,400

File:WarLabour.gif

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
За спасение утопающих
Za spasenie utopayushchikh

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
File:VeteranOfLabourMedal.jpg

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
File:RestorationOfTheDonbassMedal.jpg

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
File:TheVirginLandsMedal.jpg

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
File:MotherhoodMedal2ndClass.jpg

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
File:20YearsOfTheRedArmyMedal.jpg

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
  • all marshals, generals, officers, cadets, and volunteer enlisted men serving in the military of the Soviet Union and in Soviet state security organs.
  • All servicemen placed into the reserve or retired after twenty or more years in uniform
  • All those awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union or all three classes of the Order of Glory
  • All combat veterans, including Civil War and World War II partisans
  • all those awarded an order or medal for individual service, bravery or achievement regardless of length of service.
    23 February 1968
  • 9,527,270

    60 Years Since The Creation Of The Soviet Armed Forces

    28 January 1978 Awarded to
  • all marshals, generals, officers, and volunteer enlisted men serving in the military of the Soviet Union and in Soviet state security organs.
  • All servicemen placed into the reserve or retired after twenty or more years in uniform
  • All those awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union or all three classes of the Order of Glory
  • All combat veterans, including Civil War and World War II partisans
  • all those awarded an order or medal for individual service, bravery or achievement regardless of length of service.
    23 February 1978
  • 10,723,340

    70 Years Since The Creation Of The Soviet Armed Forces

    28 January 1988 Awarded to
  • all marshals, generals, officers, cadets, and volunteer enlisted men serving in the military of the Soviet Union and in Soviet state security organs.
  • All servicemen placed into the reserve or retired after twenty or more years in uniform
  • All those awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union or all three classes of the Order of Glory
  • All combat veterans, including Civil War and World War II partisans
  • all those awarded an order or medal for individual service, bravery or achievement regardless of length of service.
    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
    20 Лет Победы в Великой Отечественной Войне
    20 Let Pobedy v Velikoj Otechestvennoj Vojne

    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
    30 Лет Победы в Великой Отечественной Войне
    30 Let Pobedy v Velikoj Otechestvennoj Vojne

    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
    40 Лет Победы в Великой Отечественной Войне
    40 Let Pobedy v Velikoj Otechestvennoj Vojne

    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
    File:800thAnniversaryOfMoscowMedal.jpg

    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.
    File:Donor1.jpg

    Blood Donor (1st Class)

    Донор СССР(первой степени)

    For donating blood.
    File:Donor2.jpg

    Blood Donor (2nd Class)

    Донор СССР(второй степени)

    For donating blood.
    File:Donor3.jpg

    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
    File:ExcellenceArmy.jpg

    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.
    File:O.G.P.U.10thBadge.jpg

    10th Anniversary Of The O.G.P.U.

    1927 Issued to members of the Soviet Political Police.
    File:KhasanBadge.jpg

    Battle of Lake Khasan

    1939 Issued to service personnel who took part in the Battle of Lake Khasan against Japanese forces.
    File:ExcellentPropagandist.jpg

    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.
    File:ExcellenceDOSAAF.jpg

    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
    File:ExcellenceGold.jpg

    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

    References

    • Paul D. McDaniel, Paul J. Schmitt (1997) The Comprehensive Guide to Soviet Orders and Medals. ISBN 0965628906

    External links