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Who was Pyotr Nesterov?

Pyotr Nesterov was a famous Russian pilot who lived long ago. In 1913, he became the very first person to fly an airplane in a full loop in the sky. He was a brave leader who died while fighting in World War I.

Can civilian pilots receive the Medal of Nesterov?

Yes, people who are not in the military can earn this award. It is given to civilian pilots who show great skill or help save their passengers during emergencies. This recognizes that they perform just as bravely as military crews.

What is shown on the back of the medal?

The back of the medal features a classic winged propeller design. Above the propeller, you will see a small bird that looks like it is soaring through the air. These symbols represent the history of flight and the freedom of the skies.

What does the ribbon look like?

The ribbon is colored a bright sky blue to match the open air above. It has thin yellow stripes running down each side of the ribbon. These colors make the medal stand out when it is worn on a uniform.

Can paratroopers earn this medal?

Yes, members of the airborne troops can receive this medal if they work on flight operations. The award is for anyone who shows courage and expert skill in the air. Since paratroopers often fly on dangerous missions, they are eligible to be honored for their service.

Who was Pyotr Nesterov?

Pyotr Nesterov was a famous Russian pilot who lived long ago. In 1913, he became the very first person to fly an airplane in a full loop in the sky. He was a brave leader who died while fighting in World War I.

Can civilian pilots receive the Medal of Nesterov?

Yes, people who are not in the military can earn this award. It is given to civilian pilots who show great skill or help save their passengers during emergencies. This recognizes that they perform just as bravely as military crews.

What is shown on the back of the medal?

The back of the medal features a classic winged propeller design. Above the propeller, you will see a small bird that looks like it is soaring through the air. These symbols represent the history of flight and the freedom of the skies.

What does the ribbon look like?

The ribbon is colored a bright sky blue to match the open air above. It has thin yellow stripes running down each side of the ribbon. These colors make the medal stand out when it is worn on a uniform.

Can paratroopers earn this medal?

Yes, members of the airborne troops can receive this medal if they work on flight operations. The award is for anyone who shows courage and expert skill in the air. Since paratroopers often fly on dangerous missions, they are eligible to be honored for their service.

Home Library RussiaMedal of Nesterov

Merit decoration

Medal of Nesterov

An aviation medal awarded to military pilots and flight crews for personal courage and superb flying skills.

Russia Established 1994 Air ForcePrecedence: Worn on the left chest immediately after the Medal of Ushakov

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded to flight crews for personal courage, aerial prowess, and excellent performance in flight operations and air combat.

Eligibility

Air Force pilots, naval aviation crews, airborne troops, and civilian aviators.

Branch

Air Force

Precedence

Worn on the left chest immediately after the Medal of Ushakov

Medal of Nesterov, Merit decoration, Russia medal

History

The Medal of Nesterov was founded on March 2, 1994, by presidential decree. The decoration is named in honor of Pyotr Nesterov, a legendary early Russian aviator who was the first person to fly an airplane in an aerial loop. Nesterov was later killed in action during World War I.

The award was established because Russia needed a dedicated aviation honor to complement the medals named after generals and admirals. The medal depicts Nesterov's bust facing forward surrounded by laurel branches and an eagle.

Pilots, navigators, and air force engineers receive this medal for showing remarkable skill in extreme flight situations. It can be earned either during wartime dogfights and bombing runs, or during peacetime emergency flights where pilots save their aircraft and crews.

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 Lebed, including Medal for Courage, Medal of Nesterov, Medal of Ushakov, Medal of Suvorov, Saint George Cross, Order of Saint George, shown against a light Russia flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Cold War

Medal for Courage Medal of Nesterov Medal of Ushakov+3

Alexander Lebed

Who Was General Alexander Lebed?

A prominent Russian general known for his service in the Soviet-Afghan war.

Russia1979-1989

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Sources

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