The award is a sign of courage and courage, recognition of the merits of a person, his activities to the Fatherland. The awards given in Russia are expressive, special monuments of our history that remind us of the struggle against enemies, of great works for the good of the country and of transformations.
The history of the awards is unique. Wars, revolutions, social upheavals led to the appearance of their great diversity. But with special pride, people wore orders and medals received for feats in wartime.
The Order of the Great Patriotic War was founded during the war years and was called
"Patriotic War". Work on it began
S.I. Dmitriev and A.I. Kuznetsov, who were famous artists of that time. In April 1942, sketches already lay before I.V. Stalin, and on May 20th the Decree “On the establishment of the Order of the Patriotic War” was announced.
This award looks like a five-pointed convex star of ruby red color. It is framed by golden rays. In the middle is an image of a sickle and a hammer, and in a circle there is a belt with the corresponding inscription. Against the background of the rays of the star, a checker and a rifle are drawn.
The Order of the Great Patriotic War of the 1st degree was made of silver, gold and had a weight of 33 grams. Award of 2 degrees - from silver, weight - 29 grams. A ribbon of
burgundy silk and moire with a red stripe was attached to them.
Representatives of both the officer and ordinary personnel of the Army, the NKVD, Navy, and partisan detachments, who showed steadfastness, courage, and courage, had a chance to get the Order of the Great Patriotic War. Also, military personnel could get it, thanks to which the success of military operations was achieved. To receive the order of the first degree, it was also necessary to destroy 3 light tank vehicles or 2 heavy / medium ones.
First Order of the Great Patriotic War of 1 degree in June 1942
received I.I. Krikliya, commander of the guard division. In May of that year, many fascist tanks moved to the place where he was with his detachment. However, these gunners were not afraid, and in two days they destroyed 32 tanks. The commander himself was wounded and died in this battle. A total of 344 such awards were issued.
The Order of the Patriotic War of the 2nd degree was received by those who independently destroyed 2 light tank vehicles or 1 heavy / medium or in the ranks of the gun crew 3 light tank vehicles or 2 heavy / medium.
Forty years later, in honor of the anniversary of the Victory, in 1985, the Supreme Soviet of the USSR restored this award. The order of the Great Patriotic War of the 2nd degree was given to those veterans of the Second World War who, for various reasons, could not get the first degree during the hostilities. Thanks to this, almost all veterans who have survived so far have been awarded. During the period of hostilities, 1028 thousand people deservedly received it.
In order for the people to rally, to raise morale, other awards were instituted, which were named after the Russian legendary commanders, for example, Alexander Nevsky. They were intended for the commanders of the Soviet Army for their services in the management of military operations.