The Order of the October Revolution

• Time Period: Post-WW2
• Year of Institution: 31 October 1967
• Country: Russia & USSR

The Order of the October Revolution (or Орден Октябрьской Революции in Russian) is the second-highest Soviet order and was instituted on October 31, 1967, in time for the 50th anniversary of the October Revolution. It was conferred upon individuals or groups for services furthering communism or the state, or in enhancing the defenses of the Soviet Union, military and civil. The Order was awarded to the citizens of the USSR and foreign citizens, soviet enterprises, establishments, organizations and other groups of workers, the military units and formations, as well as republics, krais, regions, cities and towns and for the revolutionary activity, a major contribution to the formation and consolidation of the Soviet rule, outstanding services in the building of socialism and communism, for a particular courage demonstrated during the struggle with the enemies of the Soviet state, outstanding merits in the strengthening of the country’s defense system, for the active development and intensification of the friendly relationships between the Soviet Union nations and other states, for the peace consolidation between the nations. The re-awarding of the Order was rare. In total there have been over 100.000 holders of the Order of the October Revolution.

The Order of the October Revolution Design

The insignia of the Order is a red star with golden rays between the arms badge. At the centre of the badge was a pentagon bearing the image of the cruiser Aurora participating in the October Revolution. Above this was a red flag bearing the words “October Revolution” (Октябрьской Революции). A Hammer and Sickle emblem was placed at the bottom. The badge was worn on the left chest with a red ribbon bearing five blue stripes at the center.