Award is a sign of bravery and courage, recognition of a person's merits to the Fatherland, his activities. The awards issued in Russia are expressive, special monuments of our history, which remind us of the struggle against enemies, of great works for the good of the country and transformations.
The history of awards is unique. Wars, revolutions, social upheavals led to the emergence of their great variety. But with special pride, people wore orders and medals received for heroic deeds in wartime.
The Order of the Great Patriotic War was founded during the war years and was called
"Patriotic War". Work on it was started by S. I. Dmitriev and A. I. Kuznetsov, who were famous artists of that time. In April 1942, the sketches were already in front of I. V. Stalin, and on May 20, the Decree “On the Establishment of the Order of the Patriotic War” was announced.
This award looks like a five-pointed bulging ruby red star. It is framed by golden rays. In the middlethere is an image of a sickle and a hammer, and in a circle - a belt with a corresponding inscription. Against the background of the rays of the star, a saber and a rifle are drawn.
The Order of the Great Patriotic War I degree was made of silver, gold and had a weight of 33 grams. Award of the 2nd degree - made of silver, weight - 29 grams. A burgundy silk and moire ribbon with a red stripe was attached to them.
The Order of the Great Patriotic War had a chance to be received by representatives of both officers and rank and file of the Army, the NKVD troops, the Navy, partisan detachments, who showed stamina, courage, courage in battles. Also, military personnel could receive it, thanks to which the success of military operations was achieved. To receive the Order of the First Class, it was also necessary to destroy 3 light tank vehicles or 2 heavy/medium ones.
The First Order of the Great Patriotic War, 1st class in June 1942
received I. I. Kriklia, commander of the guard division. In the place where he was with his detachment, in May of the same year, many fascist tanks moved. 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, 2nd class, 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 dateVictory, in 1985, the Supreme Soviet of the USSR restored this award. The Order of the Great Patriotic War of the 2nd degree was received by those veterans of the Great Patriotic War who, for various reasons, could not receive the first degree during the hostilities. Thanks to this, almost all veterans who survived until then received the award. During the period of hostilities, 1028 thousand people deservedly received it.
In order for the people to unite, to raise morale, other awards were established, which were named after Russian legendary commanders, for example, Alexander Nevsky. They were intended for the commanders of the Soviet Army for their merits in the leadership of military operations.
