The Hero of Socialist Labor Medal

• Time Period: Interwar Medals
• Year of Institution: 27 December 1938
• Country: Russia & USSR

The Hero of Socialist Labour Medal (or Геро́й Социалисти́ческого Труда́in Russian) was the highest degree of distinction for exceptional achievements in national economy and culture. It was introduced by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union on December 27, 1938 as an honorary title of the Soviet Union and other Warsaw Pact countries.

The first recipient of the award was Joseph Stalin, awarded by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet in December 20, 1939. By 1991, at the dissolution of the Soviet Union, over 20,000 people had been awarded the title.

Originally, Heroes of Socialist Labour were awarded the highest decoration of the Soviet Union, the Order of Lenin and a certificate. In order to distinguish it from other Order of Lenin recipients, the “Hammer and Sickle” gold medal was introduced by decree of the Presidium on 22 May 1940. Heroes of Socialist Labour who attained further exceptional achievements were awarded a second “Hammer and Sickle” medal and bronze busts of the Heroes were to be constructed in their hometowns to mark the occasion.

The award provided a similar status to the title Hero of the Soviet Union Medal that was awarded for heroic deeds, but unlike the latter, was not awarded to foreign citizens.

The Hero of Socialist Labour Medal Design

The Honorary title was designed by the artist A. Pomansky as a five-pointed star with smooth dihedral rays on the obverse. The diameter of the star was 33.5 mm. In the center of the obverse, a relief hammer and sickle respectively of 14 and 13 mm. 

The reverse was plain and was surrounded by a slightly raised rim. In the center, the relief inscription “Hero of Socialist Labor” (“Герой Социалистического Труда” in Russian) in 2mm high letters, the award serial number was inscribed just above in 1mm high numbers. The medal weighed 15.25 grams.

The insignia was secured to a standard 25 X 15mm Soviet square mount by a ring through the suspension loop. The mount was covered by a red silk moiré ribbon.