The Hero of the Mongolian People’s Republic was the most prestigious honor in the former Mongolian People’s Republic, created to recognize extraordinary acts done in service to the Mongolian people and state. It was inspired by the Soviet Union’s own Hero of the Soviet Union award.
The title could be given to both Mongolian citizens and foreigners and was first bestowed in September 1922. In the early years after Mongolia’s 1921 revolution, the new government introduced high honors, with initial awards going to key revolutionary figures. Later, a distinctive Gold Star medal was established in 1945 to represent the title.
Recipients of the Hero of the Mongolian People’s Republic medal also received the Sukhbaatar Order.
Over the decades until it was last awarded in 1989, a total of 59 individuals received it, including two posthumously. Recipients ranged from military leaders and political figures in Mongolia to prominent Soviet allies, reflecting the close ties between the two countries during much of the twentieth century.
The Hero of the Mongolian People’s Republic Design
There are two variants of this medal. The first type was issued during 1941 to 1946 and the second from 1946.
The obverse of the medal is a gold star-shaped badge with a radiating, multi-faceted design. It appears as a starburst with sharply defined, sculpted rays emanating from the center, giving a three-dimensional, almost geometric look.
Around the edges of the star there are five small, round gemstones (traditionally diamonds) set near the points of the star, one between each pair of major rays, which add sparkle and emphasize the award’s prestige.
