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The Medal for the Defense of the Caucasus

The Medal for the Defense of the Caucasus was awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defense of the region.

The Medal for the Defense of the Caucasus (or Медаль «За оборону Кавказа», Medal «Za oboronu Kavkaza» in Russian) was established on 1 May 1944 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defense of the Caucasus region between July 1942 and 9 October 1943.

The medal was awarded to soldiers of the Red Army, Navy, and troops of the NKVD, as well as persons from the civilian population who took part in the defense of the Caucasus during the battle for the Caucasus. Award of the medal was made on behalf of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on the basis of documents attesting to actual participation in the defense of the Caucasus issued by the unit commander, the chief of the military medical establishment, or by a relevant provincial or municipal authority of the Stavropol or of the Krasnodar Soviets of People’s Deputies, of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, of the Azerbaijan SSR, of the North Ossetian ASSR or of the Kabardin ASSR.

The Medal for the Defense of the Caucasus Design

The medal was 32mm in diameter, circular, and made of brass, with a raised rim on both sides. It was worn on the left side of the chest and in the presence of other awards of the USSR.

On the obverse in the center, the relief image of Mount Elbrus, at its foot, oil derricks and a group of three tanks moving to the left; over the mountains, three aircraft flying towards the left. A 3mm wide band covered with relief images of clusters of grapes and flowers went around the entire circumference of the medal, at the very top, a relief five-pointed star, at the bottom, a scroll with the relief inscription «СССР» (“SSSR”) bisected by the image of the hammer and sickle. On the reverse near the top, the relief image of the hammer and sickle, below the image, the relief inscription in three rows «ЗА НАШУ СОВЕТСКУЮ РОДИНУ» (“FOR OUR SOVIET MOTHERLAND”).

The medal was secured by a ring through the medal suspension loop to a standard Soviet pentagonal mount covered by a 24mm wide olive green silk moiré ribbon with 2.5mm wide blue edge stripes, in the middle, two 2mm wide white stripes bordered by 1mm blue and red stripes separated by a 2mm olive stripe.

Other Soviet Defense Medals from WW2

The medals awarded for the defense of various places during World War II belong to a specific group of Soviet campaign medals. These medals were instituted by the Soviet Union to recognize and honor the efforts and sacrifices of those who participated in the defense of key cities and regions against Axis forces. 

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The Medal for the Defense of Moscow

The Medal for the Defense of Moscow was awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the Battle of Moscow during WW2.

The Medal for the Defense of Moscow (or Медаль «За оборону Москвы», Medal «Za oboronu Moskvy» in Russian) was established on 1 May 1944 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defense of Moscow between 19 October 1941 and 25 January 1942.

The medal was awarded to soldiers of the Red Army, Navy and troops of the NKVD, as well as persons from the civilian population who took part in the battle of Moscow. Award of the medal was made on behalf of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on the basis of documents attesting to actual participation in the defense of Moscow issued by the unit commander, the chief of the military medical establishment or by a relevant provincial or municipal authority.

The Resolution of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of March 8, 1945, granted the petition of Yaroslavl regional organizations to award the medal “For the Defence of Moscow” to the most distinguished participants in the construction of defensive structures in the Moscow area by the civilian population of the Yaroslavl region.

The Medal for the Defense of Moscow Design

The medal was 32mm in diameter, circular, and made of brass, with a raised rim on both sides. It was worn on the left side of the chest and in the presence of other awards of the USSR.

On the obverse in the background, the Kremlin wall, in front of the wall at lower center, the left front of a T-34 tank with a group of soldiers on it, below the tank near the medal’s lower rim, a relief five-pointed star in the center of a laurel wreath going halfway up the medal’s circumference on the left and right. To the left of the tank, the relief image of the monument to Minin and Pozharsky, and to the right of the tank, a Kremlin tower. Over the Kremlin wall, the dome of the Senate building with a hammer and sickle flag waving from its rooftop mast, in the sky above, five combat aircraft flying towards the left. Along the upper circumference of the medal, the relief inscription in prominent letters «ЗА ОБОРОНУ МОСКВЫ» (“FOR DEFENCE OF MOSCOW”).

On the reverse near the top, the relief image of the hammer and sickle, below the image, the relief inscription in three rows «ЗА НАШУ СОВЕТСКУЮ РОДИНУ» (“FOR OUR SOVIET MOTHERLAND”)

The medal was secured by a ring through the medal suspension loop to a standard Soviet pentagonal mount covered by a 24 mm wide silk moiré ribbon with 2 mm red edge stripes and five alternating 4 mm wide olive green, red, olive green, red, olive green stripes.

Other Soviet Defense Medals from WW2

The medals awarded for the defense of various places during World War II belong to a specific group of Soviet campaign medals. These medals were instituted by the Soviet Union to recognize and honor the efforts and sacrifices of those who participated in the defense of key cities and regions against Axis forces. 

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The Medal for the Defense of Stalingrad

The Medal for the Defense of Stalingrad was awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who were part of the defense of Stalingrad in 1942.

The Medal for the Defense of Stalingrad (or Медаль «За оборону Сталинграда», Medal «Za oboronu Stalingrada» in Russian) was established on 22 December 1942 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defense of Stalingrad between 12 July and 19 November 1942.

The medal was awarded to soldiers of the Red Army, Navy and troops of the NKVD, as well as persons from the civilian population who took part in the defense of Stalingrad during its siege by German forces. Award of the medal was made on behalf of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on the basis of documents attesting to actual participation in the defense of Stalingrad issued by the unit commander, the chief of the military medical establishment, or by a relevant provincial or municipal authority.

The Medal for the Defense of Stalingrad Design

The medal was 32mm in diameter, circular, and made of brass, with a raised rim on both sides. It was worn on the left side of the chest.

On its obverse, a row of five overlapping fully equipped soldiers with their rifles at the ready marching to the left, above the two rightmost soldiers, the Soviet flag waving; above the others, tanks and combat aircraft also pointing to the left. At the top in the center, a relief five-pointed star, on either side of the star along the upper medal circumference, the relief inscription «ЗА ОБОРОНУ СТАЛИНГРАДА» (“FOR THE DEFENSE OF STALINGRAD”). On the reverse near the top, the relief image of the hammer and sickle, below the image, the relief inscription in three rows «ЗА НАШУ СОВЕТСКУЮ РОДИНУ» (“FOR OUR SOVIET MOTHERLAND”).

The medal was secured by a ring through the medal suspension loop to a standard Soviet pentagonal mount covered by a 24mm wide olive green silk moiré ribbon with a 2mm central red blue stripe.

Notable Recipients

Here are five notable recipients of The Medal for the Defense of Stalingrad:

  1. Vasily Chuikov: General Vasily Chuikov was the commander of the Soviet 62nd Army during the Battle of Stalingrad. Under his leadership, the 62nd Army played a crucial role in defending Stalingrad against the German forces. Chuikov’s tactical skill and determination contributed significantly to the Soviet victory in one of the most pivotal battles of World War II.

  2. Nikita Khrushchev: Nikita Khrushchev, who later became the leader of the Soviet Union, was a political commissar in the Red Army during the Battle of Stalingrad. He played a key role in organizing the defense of the city and boosting morale among the troops. Khrushchev’s efforts during the battle earned him recognition and the Medal for the Defense of Stalingrad.

  3. Vasily Zaytsev: Sergeant Vasily Zaytsev, already mentioned as a notable recipient of the Medal “For the Victory over Germany,” also played a significant role in the defense of Stalingrad. As a sniper, Zaytsev inflicted heavy casualties on the German army, including numerous officers, contributing to the Soviet victory in the battle.

  4. Lyudmila Pavlichenko: Sergeant Lyudmila Pavlichenko, also mentioned earlier as a recipient of the Medal “For the Victory over Germany,” was another notable participant in the defense of Stalingrad. Her exceptional marksmanship as a sniper helped to repel German assaults and bolster the morale of Soviet defenders.

  5. Vasily Grossman: Vasily Grossman was a Soviet writer and war correspondent who documented the events of the Battle of Stalingrad firsthand. His reports provided vivid accounts of the heroism and suffering experienced by the defenders of Stalingrad, earning him recognition and the Medal for the Defense of Stalingrad.

Other Soviet Defense Medals from WW2

The medals awarded for the defense of various places during World War II belong to a specific group of Soviet campaign medals. These medals were instituted by the Soviet Union to recognize and honor the efforts and sacrifices of those who participated in the defense of key cities and regions against Axis forces. 

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The Medal for the Defense of Sevastopol

The Medal for the Defense of Sevastopol was awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defense of the port city.

The Medal for the Defense of Sevastopol (or Медаль «За оборону Одессы», Medal «Za oboronu Odessy» in Russian) was established on 22 December 1942 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defense of Sevastopol between 5 November 1941 and 4 July 1942.

The medal was awarded to soldiers of the Red Army, Navy, and troops of the NKVD, as well as persons from the civilian population who took part in the defense of Sevastopol during its siege by German forces. Award of the medal was made on behalf of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on the basis of documents attesting to actual participation in the defense of Sevastopol issued by the unit commander, the chief of the military medical establishment, or by a relevant provincial or municipal authority.

The Medal for the Defense of Sevastopol Design

The medal was 32mm in diameter, circular, and made of brass, with a raised rim.

In the center of the obverse, a 22mm in diameter convex medallion bearing the overlapping left profile busts of a red sailor over a helmeted red soldier. At the bottom, protruding below the edge of the central medallion, the bottom of a naval anchor and the breeches or two muzzle-loading cannons (crossing under the medallion); at the top, protruding from the central medallion, the muzzles of the two cannons, in between them, a 5mm wide frame bearing a relief five-pointed star. Along the medal circumference, between the edge of the central medallion and the medal’s rim, the relief inscription, on the left side «ЗА ОБОРОНУ» (“FOR DEFENSE”) and on the right side «СЕВАСТОПОЛЯ» (“SEVASTOPPOL”).

On the reverse near the top, the relief image of the hammer and sickle, below the image, the relief inscription in three rows «ЗА НАШУ СОВЕТСКУЮ РОДИНУ» (“FOR OUR SOVIET MOTHERLAND”).

The medal was secured by a ring through the medal suspension loop to a standard Soviet pentagonal mount covered by a 24mm wide olive green silk moiré ribbon with a 2mm central dark blue stripe.

Other Soviet Defense Medals from WW2

The medals awarded for the defense of various places during World War II belong to a specific group of Soviet campaign medals. These medals were instituted by the Soviet Union to recognize and honor the efforts and sacrifices of those who participated in the defense of key cities and regions against Axis forces. 

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The Medal for the Defense of Odessa

The Medal for the Defense of Odessa was awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defense of the port city.

The Medal for the Defense of Odessa (or Медаль «За оборону Одессы», Medal «Za oboronu Odessy» in Russian) was established on 22 December 1942 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defense of Odessa between 10 August and 16 October 1941.

The medal was awarded to soldiers of the Red Army, Navy, and troops of the NKVD, as well as persons from the civilian population who took part in the defense of the port city of Odessa from the armed forces of Nazi Germany. Award of the medal was made on behalf of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on the basis of documents attesting to actual participation in the defense of Odessa issued by the unit commander, the chief of the military medical establishment, or by a relevant provincial or municipal authority.

Each medal came with an “attestation of award” certificate.

The Medal for the Defense of Odessa Design

The medal was 32mm in diameter, circular, and made of brass, with a raised rim.

On the obverse in the background, the seashore and a distant lighthouse at right, in the center, the image of a red soldier and a red sailor marching towards the left their rifles at the ready; above the servicemen, the relief inscription «СССР» (“USSR”). A circular band following the medal’s entire circumference bears the relief inscription «ЗА ОБОРОНУ ОДЕССЫ» (“FOR THE DEFENCE OF ODESSA”) at its top, at both ends of the inscription, relief five-pointed stars. On the same band at the bottom center, a five-pointed star over a ribbon superimposed over the crossing point of laurel and oak branches going up the band to the two five-pointed stars near the upper inscription.

On the reverse near the top, the relief image of the hammer and sickle, below the image, the relief inscription in three rows «ЗА НАШУ СОВЕТСКУЮ РОДИНУ» (“FOR OUR SOVIET MOTHERLAND”).

The medal was secured by a ring through the medal suspension loop to a standard Soviet pentagonal mount covered by a 24mm wide olive green silk moiré ribbon with a 2mm central light blue stripe.

Other Soviet Defense Medals from WW2

The medals awarded for the defense of various places during World War II belong to a specific group of Soviet campaign medals. These medals were instituted by the Soviet Union to recognize and honor the efforts and sacrifices of those who participated in the defense of key cities and regions against Axis forces. 

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The Medal for the Defense of Leningrad

The Medal for the Defense of Leningrad was awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defense of Leningrad in 1944.

The Medal for the Defense of Leningrad (or Медаль «За оборону Ленинграда», Medal «Za oboronu Leningrada» in Russian) was established on 22 December 1942 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defense of Leningrad between 8 September 1941 and 27 January 1944.

The medal recognizes the valor and hard work of the Soviet civilian and military defenders of Leningrad (soldiers of the Red Army, Navy, and troops of the NKVD, as well as persons from the civilian population) during the 872-day siege of the city by the German armed forces between September 8, 1941, and January 27, 1944.

Award of the medal was made on behalf of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on the basis of documents attesting to actual participation in the defense of Leningrad issued by the unit commander, the chief of the military medical establishment, or by a relevant provincial or municipal authority.

The Medal for the Defense of Leningrad Design

The medal measures 32mm in diameter and is circular and struck in brass. It has a raised rim.

The obverse features, in the lower half, the relief images of a helmeted Red Army soldier (nearest), a sailor (middle), and a worker (farthest), all three with rifles at the ready. In the background is the relief outline of the Leningrad Admiralty building. Along the upper circumference of the medal, an inscription in prominent letters reads  «ЗА ОБОРОНУ ЛЕНИНГРАДА» (“FOR DEFENCE OF LENINGRAD”).

On the reverse near the top, the relief image of the hammer and sickle, below the image, the relief inscription in three rows «ЗА НАШУ СОВЕТСКУЮ РОДИНУ» (“FOR OUR SOVIET MOTHERLAND”).

The medal was secured by a ring through the suspension loop to a standard Soviet pentagonal mount covered by a 24mm wide olive green silk moiré ribbon with a 2mm central green stripe.

Other Soviet Defense Medals from WW2

The medals awarded for the defense of various places during World War II belong to a specific group of Soviet campaign medals. These medals were instituted by the Soviet Union to recognize and honor the efforts and sacrifices of those who participated in the defense of key cities and regions against Axis forces. 

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The Honored Test Navigator of the USSR Medal

The Honored Test Navigator of the USSR Medal was established in 1958 and awarded to military and civilian test-navigators 1st class.

The Honored Test Navigator of the USSR Medal (or Заслуженный штурман-испытатель СССР, Zaslužennyj šturman-ispytatel’ SSSR in Russian) was established on 14 August 1958 and awarded to military and civilian test-navigators 1st class of the civilian aircraft industry and of the Ministry of Defence of the USSR, for multiple years of creative work in the field of testing and research of new aviation technologies.

Its statute was confirmed on August 22, 1988, by Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet № 9441-XI. The title ceased to be awarded following the December 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR was the main conferring authority of the award based on recommendations from the Ministry of Defence of the USSR (Министерство обороны СССР) or from the Ministry of Aviation Industry of the USSR (Министерство авиационной промышленности СССР).

The Honored Test Navigator of the USSR Medal Design

The badge is a silver and nickel polygon with raised edges and measures 27mm wide by 23mm high.

At the top of the obverse, the relief inscription in three lines covered to the left ЗАСЛУЖЕННЫЙ ШТУРМАН-ИСПЫТАТЕЛЬ (“MERITED TEST NAVIGATOR”), in the center, the gilt tombac image of a jet plane climbing diagonally towards the right its nose and tail slightly protruding over the edges, at the bottom, the relief inscription CCCP (“USSR”) superimposed over a laurel branch.

The badge was secured to a standard Soviet square mount by a silver-plated ring through the suspension loop. The mount was covered by a silk moiré blue ribbon. It was secured to clothing by a threaded stud and nut or by a pin attachment.

The Honored Test Pilot of the USSR Medal

The Honored Test Pilot of the USSR Medal was established on 14 August 1958 and awarded to military and civilian test-pilots 1st class.

The Honored Test Pilot of the USSR Medal (or Заслуженный лётчик-испытатель СССР, Zaslužennyj Lëtčik-Ispytatel’ SSSR in Russian) was established on 14 August 1958 and awarded to military and civilian test-pilots 1st class of the civilian aircraft industry and of the Ministry of Defence of the USSR, for multiple years of creative work in the field of testing and research of new aviation technologies.

The state award of the Soviet Union was established on August 14, 1958, by Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet № 2523-X to recognize courage and excellence of military and civilian test pilots in flight research and testing of aircraft. Its statute was confirmed on August 22, 1988, by Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet № 9441-XI. The title ceased to be awarded following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

The Honored Test Pilot of the USSR Medal Design

The badge is a silver and nickel polygon with raised edges and measures 27mm wide by 23mm high.

At the top of the obverse, the relief inscription in three lines covered to the left ЗАСЛУЖЕННЫЙ ЛËТЧИК-ИСПЫТАТЕЛЬ (“HONOURED TEST PILOT”), in the center, the gilt tombac image of a jet plane climbing diagonally towards the right its nose and tail slightly protruding over the edges, at the bottom, the relief inscription CCCP (“USSR”) superimposed over a laurel branch.

The badge was secured to a standard Soviet square mount by a silver-plated ring through the suspension loop. The mount was covered by a silk moiré blue ribbon. It was secured to clothing by a threaded stud and nut or by a pin attachment.

The USSR Mother Heroine Medal

The USSR Mother Heroine Medal was an honorary title established in 1944 and awarded to all mothers bearing and raising 10 or more children.

The USSR Mother Heroine Medal (or Мать-героиня, Mat’-geroinya in Russian) was an honorary title established on 8 July 1944 and awarded to all mothers bearing and raising 10 or more children.

The title 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. The title was accompanied by the bestowal of the Order “Mother Heroine” and a certificate conferred by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union.

The state’s intent was not only to honor such large families but also to increase financial assistance for pregnant women, mothers of large families, and single mothers, and to promote an increased level of health in mother and child.

The award was established in 1944 and continued to exist until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Approximately 430,000 women were awarded this title during its existence.

The USSR Mother Heroine Design

The medal is a solid gold star superimposed on a silver pentagon with rays facing outwards. It measures 30.74 mm in height including the eyelet and 27.27 mm in width. It weighs 12.1 gram without and 16.2 gram with suspension.

The suspension is a bar decorated in red enamel and bearing the words “Мать-героиня” (Mother Heroine).

The Honored Blood Donor of the USSR Medal

The Honored Blood Donor of the USSR Medal was an honorary title established in the 1950s and awarded to Soviet blood donors.

The Honored Blood Donor of the USSR Medal was an honorary title established in the 1950s and awarded to Soviet blood donors. Not much is known about this medal.

The Honored Blood Donor of the USSR Medal Design

The medal is struck in brass and decorated with red and white enamels. The pendant portion is about 1.5″ in diameter.

The obverse features a round white badge with the outline of a star and a superimposed red cross in the center. The medal bears a gold wreath at the bottom.

The suspension device is made in red enamel.