- Time Period: Interwar
- Institution: 1926 (as “The Order of Military Valour”, renamed to “The Order of the Red Banner in 1931)
- Country: Mongolia
The Order of the Red Banner (Цэргийн гавьяаны улаан туг одон) is a military decoration of the Mongolian People’s Republic, first established in 1926 as the Order for Military Merit. It was created to recognize heroism in combat and distinguished service contributing to Mongolia’s defense and strengthening its armed forces.
The award could be given to Mongolian and foreign citizens, as well as military units, formations, schools, and institutions, reflecting Mongolia’s recognition of both individual and collective contributions to its military efforts. Over time the Order’s name and design evolved: it was simplified to the Order of the Red Banner in 1945, and in 1993 became known as the Order of the Red Banner for Military Valor (or Military Merit). The medallion design has been changed several times across different versions produced between 1926 and later decades. Around 10,000 awards were made over the years, and the Order remained an important part of Mongolia’s honors system.
The Order of the Red Banner Medal Design
The obverse of the Order of the Red Banner has varied with different production types, but core elements remain consistent with its military and symbolic themes. There are five different designs with four sub-variants for the 1940 and 1945 versions (which have four classes each).
The badge is star-shaped with a prominent central motif and radiating rays — often with enamel and metallic finishes that give the Order a rich, layered appearance. Among earlier types, the central area frequently included a circular enamelled medallion depicting iconic imagery such as a rider on horseback and other figures or state symbols, framed by ornamental details.
Many versions feature a red enamel banner across the top portion of the star; in some examples this banner bears Mongolian Cyrillic initials like БНМАУ (abbreviation for People’s Republic of Mongolia), underscoring the award’s national identity. The star’s rays and elements are often finished in gilt metal with colored enamels (red, white, yellow, blue and green), giving the insignia distinctive visual contrast.
Design details changed over the decades — for example the pattern of enamel, the style of the central medallion, and how the banner and motifs were integrated — but the overall form remained recognizably a radiant star with bold military symbolism.
