The Order of the Red Star

• Time Period: Interwar Medals
• Year of Institution: 6 April 1930
• Country: Russia & USSR

The Order of the Red Star (or Орден Краснoй Звезды in Russian) was a military decoration of the Soviet Union established on 6 April 1930 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. It was awarded to soldiers of the Soviet Army, Navy, border and internal security forces, employees of the State Security Committee of the USSR, as well as NCOs and officers of the bodies of internal affairs; to units, warships, associations, enterprises, institutions and organizations; as well as to military personnel of foreign countries.

The Order was awarded for personal courage and bravery in battle, successful operations of military units and formations, outstanding service in ensuring public safety and the security of the State Border of the USSR, exemplary performance of special command tasks and other outstanding deeds committed in peacetime, merit in the development of military science and technologies used in training of the Armed Forces of the USSR or merit in strengthening the defense capabilities of the socialist community.

The Order of the Red Star was also used as a long service award from 1944 to 1958 to mark fifteen years of service in the military, state security, or police.  Its statute was only defined on May 1930, amended on 7 May 1936, 19 June 1943, 26 February 1946, 15 October 1947, 16 December 1947 and by decree No 1803-X of 28 March 1980.

The Order of the Red Star Medal Design

The Order of the Red Star is a red enameled 47mm to 50mm wide (depending on the variant) silver five pointed star. In the center of the obverse is an oxydised silver shield bearing the image of an erect soldier wearing an overcoat and carrying a rifle, along the shield’s entire circumference, a narrow band bearing the Communist motto in relief, «Пролетарии всех стран, соединяйтесь!» “Workers of the world, unite!“, the band below the soldier bore the relief inscription “USSR” («СССР»). Below the shield, the hammer and sickle also of oxydised silver.

The otherwise plain reverse bore the maker’s mark and the award serial number. The Order was attached to clothing by a threaded stud and screw attachment.

The ribbon of the Order of the red Star was a 24mm wide silk moiré dark red with a 5mm wide central silver stripe.