Order of the Red Banner: the history of the award

Order of the Red Banner was the first award, which was established in the USSR. During the Civil War, the Red Army soldiers were awarded the Order of the Red Banner. At that time he was the highest reward. In 1924 he was replaced by the Order of the Red Banner, but it was decided to consider these awards as equivalent.

This honorary mark could be marked not only by people, but also by military formations, units and ships. After the award, they were called "red-banners". This award is worn on the left side of the chest.

The Order was awarded to servicemen, officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and special services, citizens of the USSR and other states for outstanding services. The award was made for ensuring the security of the state, courage and courage in combat conditions, excellent leadership of military operations, special missions. If a person was given the Order of the Red Banner for the second time (the third or fourth, etc.), then the corresponding figure was engraved on it, depending on which award is awarded.

The award is made in the form of a sign depicting a deployed banner of red color with the appeal: "Workers of all countries, unite!". Beneath the circumference, the order is surrounded by a laurel wreath, on which there is a ribbon with the inscription: "USSR". In the central part on the enamel white background there are a rifle, a pole, a torch, a plow and a hammer. They are covered by a star. In its center is a sickle and a hammer with a laurel wreath. The upper rays of the star are covered by a banner. On repeated rewards from below on a white shield the corresponding figure is put. Star beams, ribbon and banner are covered with ruby-red enamel, plow, hammer and rifle are oxidized, and wreaths and other images are gilded.

Like many awards of the USSR and medals of the Second World War, the order is made of silver, which contains about 22,719 grams. Its total weight is about 25,134 grams. The width of the award is 36.3 mm, and the height is 41 mm. With the help of a ring and a lug, it connects to a pentagonal shoe, which is covered with a moire ribbon made of silk. In its middle is a white longitudinal strip, closer to the edges - one red strip on the right and left, and along the edges - one white. The pad has a pentagonal shape. Until 1932, the order was worn on a bow in the shape of a rosette of red color.

Until the 1930s, the heroes of the revolution and the Chekists marked this distinction. In 1929 they were awarded many participants in the incident at the CER. The Chinese then tried to seize the railway, but were defeated. This conflict was one of the first for the young state. In 1937 the Order of the Red Banner was often presented to Soviet soldiers who participated in military operations in Spain. They were awarded participants of the incident near the Khalkhin-Gol River, as well as those who took part in the Soviet-Finnish conflict.

During the Patriotic War, this award marked 238,000 people and 3,448 units and units. It was the most massive order of the Second World War. After the war, he was awarded for special merits and participation in various local conflicts, including the internationalist soldiers who fought in Afghanistan. During the existence of the USSR, 581333 awards were awarded. Only eight people received the award with the number "7" and only the Marshal of Aviation II. Pstigo was awarded this honor 8 times.