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Why was the Battle of Stalingrad so famous?

This battle was one of the biggest and deadliest fights in all of history. It began in August 1942 and became a major turning point that helped stop Nazi Germany from winning the war. Because the city held its ground against heavy attacks, the tide of the war finally turned in favor of the Soviet Union. Winning this victory proved that the German army could be defeated.

Could factory workers earn this medal?

Yes, civilians were definitely allowed to earn this special award. Many people stayed in the city to dig deep trenches, build strong barricades, and clear away dangerous rubble while bombs were falling around them. These brave workers helped the army defend their home by providing supplies and support. Because of their hard work, they were officially recognized for their service during the battle.

What is shown on the front of the medal?

The front of the medal shows a group of Soviet soldiers moving forward in a line. They are holding rifles with sharp bayonets attached to the ends, ready for battle. You can also see images of tanks and airplanes in the background to show how tough and modern the fight was. The design captures the spirit of the people who defended the city against the invaders.

What color ribbon does it have?

The medal hangs from a piece of fabric called a ribbon that is pinned to a soldier's chest. This ribbon is colored olive-green to match the typical color of a Soviet soldier's uniform. It also has one narrow red stripe running right down the very middle of it. This simple but important design was used to help people recognize the medal from a distance.

How long did someone have to serve to get it?

To earn this medal, people had to take part in the defense of the city for a specific amount of time. Most soldiers, sailors, and civilian workers had to help for at least one full month while the battle was happening. If they served during the intense fighting between July and November 1942, they qualified for the award. If they met that goal, they earned the right to wear the medal on their left chest with great pride.

Why was the Battle of Stalingrad so famous?

This battle was one of the biggest and deadliest fights in all of history. It began in August 1942 and became a major turning point that helped stop Nazi Germany from winning the war. Because the city held its ground against heavy attacks, the tide of the war finally turned in favor of the Soviet Union. Winning this victory proved that the German army could be defeated.

Could factory workers earn this medal?

Yes, civilians were definitely allowed to earn this special award. Many people stayed in the city to dig deep trenches, build strong barricades, and clear away dangerous rubble while bombs were falling around them. These brave workers helped the army defend their home by providing supplies and support. Because of their hard work, they were officially recognized for their service during the battle.

What is shown on the front of the medal?

The front of the medal shows a group of Soviet soldiers moving forward in a line. They are holding rifles with sharp bayonets attached to the ends, ready for battle. You can also see images of tanks and airplanes in the background to show how tough and modern the fight was. The design captures the spirit of the people who defended the city against the invaders.

What color ribbon does it have?

The medal hangs from a piece of fabric called a ribbon that is pinned to a soldier's chest. This ribbon is colored olive-green to match the typical color of a Soviet soldier's uniform. It also has one narrow red stripe running right down the very middle of it. This simple but important design was used to help people recognize the medal from a distance.

How long did someone have to serve to get it?

To earn this medal, people had to take part in the defense of the city for a specific amount of time. Most soldiers, sailors, and civilian workers had to help for at least one full month while the battle was happening. If they served during the intense fighting between July and November 1942, they qualified for the award. If they met that goal, they earned the right to wear the medal on their left chest with great pride.

Home Library Soviet UnionMedal for the Defence of Stalingrad

Campaign medal

Medal for the Defence of Stalingrad

This campaign medal was given to troops and citizens who defended Stalingrad in a historic battle.

Soviet Union Established 1942 All servicesPrecedence: Worn on the left chest after the Medal for the Defence of Sevastopol.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for at least one month of military service or defensive labor during the battle for Stalingrad.

Eligibility

Soviet Army and Navy personnel, border troops, and civilian volunteers in Stalingrad.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn on the left chest after the Medal for the Defence of Sevastopol.

Medal for the Defence of Stalingrad, Campaign medal, Soviet Union medal

History

In December 1942, Soviet leaders established the Medal for the Defence of Stalingrad while the brutal battle for the city was still raging. It was created as part of a series of medals to honor those holding crucial defensive lines across the country.

The front of the medal shows a line of Soviet soldiers with fixed bayonets beneath an unfurled flag, tanks, and flying planes. It was awarded to military troops who fought in the city and civilian workers who built trenches and cleared rubble under artillery fire.

Winning this battle turned the tide of World War II against Nazi Germany. Soldiers and civilians who survived the battle wore this medal with enormous pride throughout their entire lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War II

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Ivan Kozhedub, including Gold Star Medal, Medal for the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945, Medal for the Defence of Stalingrad, Medal for Battle Merit, Order of Glory, Order of the Patriotic War, Order of the Red Star, Order of the Red Banner, shown against a light Soviet Union flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWII

Gold Star Medal Medal for the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945 Medal for the Defence of Stalingrad+5

Ivan Kozhedub

Who Was Ivan Kozhedub?

The highest-scoring Soviet fighter pilot during World War II.

Soviet Union1944-1945

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Sources

Back to Soviet Union