- Time Period: Interwar Medals
- Year of Institution: 8 July 1944
- Country: Russia & USSR
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).
