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When was this medal officially created?

This medal was officially created on May 9, 1945. This was the very day the Soviet government announced the final victory over Nazi Germany. The government set up the award to honor the millions of people who helped win the war in Europe.

Whose face is shown on the medal?

The medal shows a side portrait of Joseph Stalin, who was the leader of the Soviet Union. He led the country through the long and difficult years of the war. His image was placed on the medal to show his role as the head of the nation during this fight.

How many people received this medal?

Nearly fifteen million people were awarded this medal for their service. It was given to soldiers, sailors, nurses, and factory workers who supported the military effort. Because so many people earned it, this became the most common award in the history of the Soviet Union.

What do the ribbon colors mean?

The ribbon is made of orange and black stripes. These are called the colors of Saint George and have been used in Russia for a long time. These colors were chosen to represent the heat of fire and the dark smoke that comes from gunpowder in battle.

When did veterans wear this medal?

Veterans proudly wore their medals during special events and public parades. The most important time was every May 9th, which is known as Victory Day. They wore it to honor their service and remember the friends they served with during the war.

When was this medal officially created?

This medal was officially created on May 9, 1945. This was the very day the Soviet government announced the final victory over Nazi Germany. The government set up the award to honor the millions of people who helped win the war in Europe.

Whose face is shown on the medal?

The medal shows a side portrait of Joseph Stalin, who was the leader of the Soviet Union. He led the country through the long and difficult years of the war. His image was placed on the medal to show his role as the head of the nation during this fight.

How many people received this medal?

Nearly fifteen million people were awarded this medal for their service. It was given to soldiers, sailors, nurses, and factory workers who supported the military effort. Because so many people earned it, this became the most common award in the history of the Soviet Union.

What do the ribbon colors mean?

The ribbon is made of orange and black stripes. These are called the colors of Saint George and have been used in Russia for a long time. These colors were chosen to represent the heat of fire and the dark smoke that comes from gunpowder in battle.

When did veterans wear this medal?

Veterans proudly wore their medals during special events and public parades. The most important time was every May 9th, which is known as Victory Day. They wore it to honor their service and remember the friends they served with during the war.

Home Library Soviet UnionMedal for the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945

Service medal

Medal for the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945

This historic service medal was given to almost fifteen million people who helped defeat Nazi Germany.

Soviet Union Established 1945 All servicesPrecedence: Worn on the left chest after the Medal for the Defence of the Soviet Transarctic.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for active military service during World War II in the fight against Nazi Germany.

Eligibility

All military service personnel, staff, and state security members serving during the war.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn on the left chest after the Medal for the Defence of the Soviet Transarctic.

Medal for the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945, Service medal, Soviet Union medal

History

Created on May 9, 1945, by decree of the Supreme Soviet, this medal celebrated the final victory in Europe. In the Soviet Union, the war against Germany was officially called the Great Patriotic War.

The medal bears a side profile portrait of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin facing to the left, surrounded by words proclaiming total victory. The ribbon is black and orange, matching the traditional colors of Saint George.

Nearly fifteen million soldiers, sailors, nurses, and factory support personnel were awarded this medal. It became the most widely owned medal in Soviet history and was proudly worn every year during annual Victory Day parades on May 9th.

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