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What does the medal look like?

The medal is a simple, five-pointed star made of polished gold. It hangs from a small rectangular bar that is covered in a ribbon. This ribbon shows the white, blue, and red colors of the Russian flag.

Can someone receive this medal after they pass away?

Yes, it is common for this medal to be given after a person has died. This happens when a hero loses their life while performing an act of great bravery. Their family often accepts the award on their behalf to honor their sacrifice.

What award came before this one?

This medal replaced the old Hero of the Soviet Union award. That older award existed until the Soviet Union ended in 1991. Russia created this new version on March 20, 1992, to keep the tradition of honoring heroes alive.

Where is the medal worn on a military uniform?

The Gold Star is the most important award in the country. Because of this, it is worn by itself on the left side of the chest. It must be placed above all other medals, ribbons, or pins.

Who gives out this award?

The President of the Russian Federation is the only person who gives out this award. Along with the gold star, the winner gets a special certificate. This certificate proves they have received the nation's highest honor.

What does the medal look like?

The medal is a simple, five-pointed star made of polished gold. It hangs from a small rectangular bar that is covered in a ribbon. This ribbon shows the white, blue, and red colors of the Russian flag.

Can someone receive this medal after they pass away?

Yes, it is common for this medal to be given after a person has died. This happens when a hero loses their life while performing an act of great bravery. Their family often accepts the award on their behalf to honor their sacrifice.

What award came before this one?

This medal replaced the old Hero of the Soviet Union award. That older award existed until the Soviet Union ended in 1991. Russia created this new version on March 20, 1992, to keep the tradition of honoring heroes alive.

Where is the medal worn on a military uniform?

The Gold Star is the most important award in the country. Because of this, it is worn by itself on the left side of the chest. It must be placed above all other medals, ribbons, or pins.

Who gives out this award?

The President of the Russian Federation is the only person who gives out this award. Along with the gold star, the winner gets a special certificate. This certificate proves they have received the nation's highest honor.

Home Library RussiaGold Star Medal of the Hero of the Russian Federation

Valor decoration

Gold Star Medal of the Hero of the Russian Federation

This gold star is Russia's highest military honor awarded for incredible acts of personal bravery and heroic sacrifice.

Russia Established 1992 All servicesPrecedence: Highest award, worn alone above all other medals on the left chest

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for outstanding courage, bravery, and heroic deeds performed in the service of the state and the Russian people.

Eligibility

Russian military service members, state officials, cosmonauts, and civilians who carry out heroic acts.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Highest award, worn alone above all other medals on the left chest

Gold Star Medal of the Hero of the Russian Federation, Valor decoration, Russia medal

History

Russia established this decoration on March 20, 1992, right after the Soviet Union broke apart. It was created by the Supreme Soviet of Russia to serve as the nation's highest honorary title. It directly replaced the famous Soviet award called the Hero of the Soviet Union, keeping a very similar gold star design.

Over the years, the award has been given to soldiers, pilots, cosmonauts, and intelligence agents. In wartime, it honors commanders and troops who perform extraordinary feats under heavy fire. In peacetime, it has recognized test pilots and rescue workers who saved lives while risking their own.

Today, the title remains Russia's most famous and respected military honor. When someone earns it, they receive the small Gold Star medal and a special certificate of honor from the President.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

First Chechen WarSecond Chechen WarRusso-Georgian WarSyrian Civil WarRusso-Ukrainian War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Alexander Prokhorenko, including Gold Star Medal of the Hero of the Russian Federation, Medal For Participant in the Military Operation in Syria, Order of Courage, shown against a light Russia flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Cold War

Gold Star Medal of the Hero of the Russian Federation Medal For Participant in the Military Operation in Syria Order of Courage

Alexander Prokhorenko

Who Was Alexander Prokhorenko?

A Russian special forces officer who sacrificed his life in Syria.

Russia2016-03-17

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Sources

Back to Russia