The Order of the Red Banner was the first award established in the USSR. During the Civil War, the Red Army was awarded the Order of the Red Banner. At that time he was the highest award. In 1924 he was replaced by the Order of the Red Banner, but it was decided to consider these awards equal.
This honorary sign could be marked not only people, but also military formations, units and ships. After the award, they were called the "Red Banner". This award is worn on the left side of the chest.
The order was awarded to servicemen, employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and special services, citizens of the USSR and other states for outstanding services. The award was given for ensuring state security, courage and courage in a combat situation, excellent leadership in military operations, and special tasks. If a person was given the Order of the Red Banner a second time (third or fourth, etc.), then the corresponding figure was engraved on it, depending on what the award was.
The award was made in the form of a sign depicting a detailed banner of red color with the appeal: โWorkers of all countries, unite!โ. Below the circumference, the order is surrounded by a laurel wreath, on which there is a ribbon with the inscription: "USSR". In the central part on an enamel white background are a rifle, a pole, a torch, a plow and a hammer. They are covered by a star. In its center is a sickle and a hammer with a wreath of laurel. The upper rays of the star are covered with a banner. On repeated awards, the corresponding number is applied on the bottom of the white shield. The starโs rays, ribbon and banner are covered with ruby โโred enamel, the plow, hammer and rifle are oxidized, and the wreaths and other images are gilded.
Like many USSR awards and WWII medals, the order is made of silver, which contains about 22.719 grams. Its total weight is about 25.134 grams. The award is 36.3 mm wide and 41 mm high. Using a ring and an eyelet, it connects to a pentagonal block, which is covered with a moire silk ribbon. In its middle is a white longitudinal strip, closer to the edges - one red strip on the right and left, and one white on the edges. The block has a pentagonal shape. Until 1932, the order was worn on a bow in the form of a red rosette.
Until the 30s, the heroes of the revolution and the Chekists noted this insignia. In 1929, he was awarded many participants in the incident on the CER. The Chinese then tried to seize the railway, but were defeated. This conflict was one of the first for the young state. In 1937, the Order of the Red Banner was often awarded to Soviet soldiers who participated in hostilities in Spain. He was awarded the participants of the incident near the Khalkhin-Gol River, as well as those who took part in the Soviet-Finnish conflict.
During World War II, this award was awarded to 238,000 people and 3,148 formations and units. It was the most massive order of the Second World War. After the war, he was awarded for special merits and participation in various local conflicts, including internationalist soldiers who fought in Afghanistan. During the existence of the USSR, 581333 awards were awarded. Only eight people received the award with the number "7" and only Air Marshal II. Pstygo was awarded this honor 8 times.