Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email
Answers.com

Orders, decorations, and medals of the Soviet Union

 
Wikipedia: 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.

Contents

Hero decorations

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

Medal "Golden star"
Медаль "Золотая звезда"
Medal "Zolotaya zvezda"

16 April 1934 Awarded to Heroes Of The Soviet Union, 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
HeroOfSocialistLabour.jpg

Gold medal "Hammer and sickle"
Золотая медаль "Серп и молот"
Zolotaya medal "Serp i molot"

27 December 1938 Awarded to Heroes Of Socialist Labor. 20,812
MotherHeroine.jpg

Order "Mother Heroine"
Орден "Мать-героиня"
Orden "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)

Orders for military personnel

Badge And Ribbon Name (English/Russian/Translit) Creation Date Description Number Awarded
Order of Victory.jpg

Ordervictory rib.png

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 Red Banner.png

Order of Red Banner ribbon bar.png

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 personnel. 581,300
Order-of-the-Red-Star.jpg

Order redstar rib.png

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
Orden-otechestvennoy-voyny A0078505.jpg

Order gpw1 rib.png

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 (2st Class).png

Order gpw2 rib.png

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
AlexNevskyOrder.gif

Order alexander nevsky rib.png

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
Order of suvorov medal 1st class.jpg

Order suvorov1 rib.png

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 medal 2nd class.jpg

Order suvorov2 rib.png

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 medal 3rd class.jpg

Order suvorov3 rib.png

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
Order kutuzov1.jpg

Order kutuzov1 rib.png

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 kutuzov2.jpg

Order kutuzov2 rib.png

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 kutuzov3.jpg

Order kutuzov3 rib.png

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 khmelnitsky1.jpg

Order bogdan khmelnitsky1 rib.png

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
Order khmelnitsky2.jpg

Order bogdan khmelnitsky2 rib.png

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
Order khmelnitsky3.jpg

Order bogdan khmelnitsky3 rib.png

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
OrderOfGlory1stClass.jpg

Orderglory rib.png

Order Of Glory (1st Class)
Орден Славы (первой степени)
Orden Slavy (Pervoy 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.jpg

Orderglory rib.png

Order Of Glory (2nd Class)
Орден Славы (второй степени)
Orden Slavy(Vtoroy 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
OrderOfGlory3rdClass.jpg

Orderglory rib.png

Order Of Glory (3rd Class)
Орден Славы (третьей степени)
Orden Slavy (Tret'ey 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
OrderOfUshakov1st.jpg

Order ushakov1 rib.png

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
OrderOfUshakov2nd.jpg

Order ushakov2 rib.png

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 Nakhimov 1st degree.png

Order nakhimov1 rib.png

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 degree.png

Order nakhimov2 rib.png

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 1.jpg

Order service to the homeland1 rib.png

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 2.jpg

Order service to the homeland2 rib.png

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 3.jpg

Order service to the homeland3 rib.png

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
Order of Lenin.jpg

Order of Lenin ribbon bar.png

Order Of Lenin
Орден Ленина
Orden Lenina

6 April 1930 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. 462,184
OrderOfTheFriendshipOfPeoples.jpg

Order friendship of peoples rib.png

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
OrderOfTheRedBannerOfLabour.jpg

Orderredbannerlabor rib.png

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
Znakpocheta-3.jpg

Order badge of honor rib.png

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
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 2.jpg

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
MaternalGlory3.jpg

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
OrderOfTheOctoberRevolution.jpg

Order october revolution rib.png

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.jpg

Order labor glory1 rib.png

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
OrderOfLabourGlory2ndClass.jpg

Order labor glory2 rib.png

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 3st.jpg


Order labor glory3 rib.png

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
OrderOfPersonalCourage.jpg

Order personal courage rib.png

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
Medal for Valor USSR.jpg

ValourRibbon.gif

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
Medal for Combat Service.jpg

CombatRibbon.gif

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.jpg

Defstalingrad.png

To Partisan Of The Patriotic War (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
Partisan2nd.jpg

Defsevastopol.png

To Partisan Of The Patriotic War (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
MUshakovA.jpg

UshakhovRibbon.gif

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
NakhimovMedal.jpg

Nakhimov medal ribbon.gif

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
Guard of USSR Borders.jpg

GuardRibbon.gif

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
PublicOrder.jpg

PublicOrderRibbon.gif

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
DistinguishedMilitaryService1.jpg

Distinguished Military Service (1st Class)

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

Distinguished Military Service (2nd Class)

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

CombatCooperationRibbon.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
MBezuprSlC.jpg

10YearsServiceRibbon.gif

For Excellent Service (Third class)
За Безупречную Службу (Третьей степени)

25 January 1958 Awarded for 10 years of good service.
USSR15yearsofservice.jpg

15YearsServiceRibbon.gif

Excellent Service (Second class)
За Безупречную Службу (Второй степени)

25 January 1958 Awarded for 15 years good service.
MBezuprSlA.jpg

20YearsServiceRibbon.gif

Excellent Service (First class)
За Безупречную Службу (Первой степени)

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

MilitaryVeteranRibbon.gif

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
Medal Defense of Leningrad.jpg

Defleningrad.png

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
Medal Defense of Odessa.jpg

Defodessa.png

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
Medal Defense of Sevastopol.jpg

Defsevastopol.png

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
Medal defense of Stalingrad.jpg

Defstalingrad.png

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
Medal Defense of Moscow.jpg

Defmoscow rib.png

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
Medal defense of Caucasus.jpg

Defcaucasus rib.png

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
DefenceOfTheSovietTransarcticMedal.jpg

Defstalingrad.png

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
DefenceOfKievMedal.jpg

Defkiev rib.png

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
CaptureOfBerlinMedal.jpg

Caputureberlin rib.png

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
Budapest medal.jpg

Capturebudapest rib.png

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
MedalCaptureKoenigsberg.jpg

Capturekoenigsberg rib.png

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
Medal for the liberation of Prague, Soviet Union.png

Liberationprague rib.png

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
CaptureOfViennaMedal.jpg

CaptureOfViennaRibbon.gif

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
Medal For The Liberation Of Warsaw.jpeg

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
LiberationOfBelgradeMedal.jpg

Liberationbelgrade rib.png

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
Za pobedu nad germanie.jpg

Orderglory rib.png

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
VictoryOverJapanMedal.jpg

Victoryjapan rib.png

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 Current.jpg

Outstanding achievements labor.png

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.jpg

DistinguishedLabourRibbon.png

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
Medal trud USSR cropped.jpg

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
Medal for Distinguished Service in Defense of Public Order.jpg

Maintaining public order rib.png

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
Medal For The Rescue Of The Drowning.jpg

LifeSavingRibbon.gif

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. c. 27,000
Medal for Bravery in Fire Fighting.jpg

FireRibbon.jpg

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. c. 32,000
VeteranOfLabourMedal.jpg

Veteran Of Labour
ветеран труда

18 January 1974 Awarded to all workers (Military or Civilian) at Retirement. c. 39,197,100

Development and restoration campaigns

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

DonbassRibbon.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
За восстановление предприятий черной металлургии юга.jpg

RestorationOfTheBlackMetallurgicEnterprisesRibbon.gif

Restoration Of The Black Metallurgic Enterprises Of The South

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
TheVirginLandsMedal.jpg

Reclamining the virgin lands rib.png

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. c. 1,300,000
MbamA.jpg

Baikal-AmurRailwayRibbon.gif

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. c. 69,000
Medal For Development of the Non-Black Earth Regions of the RSFSR.jpg

Non-BlackEarthRibbon.gif

Development Of The Non-Black Earth Regions Of The Soviet Union

30 September 1977 Awarded for 3 years outstanding service in developing Soviet agriculture. c. 55,000
Medal For Development of the Petrochemical Complex of Western Siberia.jpg

PetrochemicalSiberiaRibbon.gif

Development Of The Petrochemical Complex Of Western Siberia

28 July 1978 Awarded for 3 years outstanding service in the Petrochemical Complex Of Western Siberia. c. 38,000

Motherhood medals

Badge And Ribbon Name (English/Russian/Translit) Creation Date Description Number Awarded
Motherhood Medal2.JPG

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. c. 4,000,000
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. c. 8,000,000

Commemorative medals

Years since the creation of the Soviet Armed Forces

Badge And Ribbon Name (English/Russian/Translit) Creation Date Description Number Awarded
20YearsOfTheRedArmyMedal.jpg

20 years saf rib.png

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
30YSAF.jpg

30 years saf rib.png

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
40YSAF.jpg

40 years saf rib.png

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
50YearsMilitaryForces.jpg

50 years saf rib.png

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
60YSAF.jpg

60 years saf rib.png

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
70YSAF.jpg

70 years saf rib.png

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
20yearsvictory.jpg

20 years of victory rib.png

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
30yearsvictory.jpg

30 years of victory rib.png

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
40yearsvictory.jpg

40 years of victory rib.png

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
800thAnniversaryOfMoscowMedal.jpg

800thMoscowRibbon.gif

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. c. 1,730,000
Medal250Leningrad.jpg

250MoscowRibbon.jpg

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. c. 1,440,000
50YSM.jpg

50thMilitiaRIbbon.gif

50th Anniversary Of The Soviet Militia

21 November 1967 Awarded to all members of the Soviet militsiya serving on 21 November 1967 c. 250,000
100LeninRibbon.jpg

100 lenin rib.png

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
50ArmeniaRibbon.gif

50th Anniversary Of The Soviet Armenian Republic*

1973
Kiev1500.jpg

1500KievRibbon.jpg

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. c. 700,000

All-Union Civilian badges

Badge And Ribbon Name (English/Russian/Translit) Creation Date Description Number Awarded
Winner of the Socialist Competition 1980.jpg

Winner of the Socialist Competition

Awarded for winning the socialist competition.
Donor1.jpg

Blood Donor (1st Class)

Донор СССР(первой степени)

For donating blood.
Donor2.jpg

Blood Donor (2nd Class)

Донор СССР(второй степени)

For donating blood.
Donor3.jpg

Blood Donor (3rd Class)

Донор СССР(третьей степени)

For donating blood.
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.
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.
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.
InventorOfTheSovietUnion.jpg

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.

All-Union sport decorations

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

Champion of the USSR (1st class)
Чемпион СССР (первой степени)

Awarded to champions of the Soviet Union

Champion of the USSR (2nd class)
Чемпион СССР (второй степени)

Awarded to champions of the Soviet Union

Champion of the USSR (3rd class)
Чемпион СССР (третьей степени)

Awarded to champions of the Soviet Union
RecordbreakerOfTheUSSR.jpg

Record-breaker of the USSR
Рекордсмен СССР

Awarded to record-breakers of the Soviet Union
ForTheBestAcsension.jpg

For the best acsension
За лучшее восхождение

Awarded for the best acsension

Military badges

Badge And Ribbon Name (English/Russian/Translit) Creation Date Description Number Awarded
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.
O.G.P.U.10thBadge.jpg

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

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

Battle of Lake Khasan

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

Excellent Artillery Personnel

21 May 1942
Sniper CCCP.jpg

Excellent Sniper

21 May 1942
TankerCCCP.jpg

Excellent Tank Crew Personnel

21 May 1942
Machine gunner CCCP.jpg

Excellent Machinegunner

21 May 1942
Morter CCCP.jpg

Excellent Mortar Specialist

21 May 1942
Submariner CCCP.jpg

Excellent Submariner

21 May 1942
Torpedo specialist CCCP.jpg

Excellent Torpedo Specialist

21 May 1942
Cook CCCP.jpg

Excellent Cook

21 May 1942
Combat engineer CCCP.jpg

Excellent Combat Engineer

21 May 1942
Medic CCCP.jpg

Excellent Medic

21 May 1942
Recon CCCP.jpg

Excellent Reconnaissance Scout

21 May 1942
AAA gunner CCCP.jpg

Excellent Antiaircraft Gunner

21 May 1942
Driver CCCP.jpg

Excellent Driver

21 May 1942

Excellent Tractor Driver

21 May 1942

Excellent Fire Fighter

21 May 1942

Excellent Railway Troop

21 May 1942
Signalman CCCP.jpg

Excellent Signaler

21 May 1942

Excellent Pontoon Bridge Engineer

21 May 1942
Baker CCCP.jpg

Excellent Baker

21 May 1942

Excellent Road Worker

21 May 1942
Marksmanship CCCP.jpg

Excellent Marksmanship

21 May 1942
Mine layer CCCP.jpg

Excellent Land Mine Specialist

21 May 1942
Aviator CCCP.jpg

Excellence In The Air Force

1950

Local badges

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

For Environmental Protection

За защиту 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


Search unanswered questions...
Enter a question here...
Search: All sources Community Q&A Reference topics
 
 

 

Copyrights:

Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Orders, decorations, and medals of the Soviet Union" Read more