Orders of the Patriotic War, deserved by blood

The establishment of the Order of the Patriotic War was held by the willful decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet State in May 1942. And although this was one of the most difficult periods of wartime, but in December 1941 it was laid The beginning of the first victories over the Germans. And even in the history of the Red Army's retreat, from the first days of the hostilities there were many heroic pages. What is the defense of the Brest Fortress or the battle for Moscow worth ! In the era of battles and after the end of hostilities, this order became one of the most popular regalia of the country. The most prestigious decorations were the Order of the Red Star, the Patriotic War. And also instituted in the autumn of 1938, the medal For Combat Merit and For the Victory over Germany. Actually, only during the war years the orders were awarded to 1,276,000 people.

Provisions of the Statute of the Order of the Patriotic War

A month later, the description of the appearance of the regalia was somewhat changed. And the statute took its final form after the victory in the war on December 16, 1946. According to his regulations, the Order was awarded to all individuals from the rank and file of the Red Army, NKVD, SMERSh, Navy, and partisan detachments who showed courage, courage and fortitude in the fight against the enemy for the Soviet country. In addition, regalia was awarded to servicemen, thanks to the actions of which the successes of military operations of the Soviet troops were ensured. Rewarding, according to the statute, is made through the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the country. Order of the Patriotic War, the battle badge of distinction had two degrees: the first and second. The highest degree was the first. The question, the order of which degree to award the distinguished serviceman, was also determined by the Presidium. It depended on the degree of merit.

Appearance of the Order of the Patriotic War

The product itself is a cast medal representing a convex five-pointed star, which is covered with red-ruby enamel with a background of golden rays that diverge as a five-pointed star whose ends are placed between the ends of the red star. In the middle of the redest star there is a golden image of a hammer and a sickle on a red ruby plate, which is bordered by a white girdle of enamel containing the inscription: "Patriotic War". In the lower part of the girdle there is a gold star. The white band and the red star have golden bezels. The background of the red star's rays is an image of the ends of the checkers and rifles crossed with each other. The hilt of the sword and the butt of the rifle are facing downward. Order of the Patriotic War had several options for manufacturing. Thus, the second-degree insignia was made of silver. Although there were gilded some parts, not covered with enamel. The Order of the first degree contained more gold. The diameter of the order is 45 mm. The length of the images of the checkers and rifle is also 45 mm. The diameter of the circle with the inscription is slightly smaller - 22 mm. Each order on its reverse side has a threaded font and a nut made for attaching it to clothing.