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Who was allowed to win the Order of Glory?

The Soviet government created this award in November 1943 for regular soldiers and lower-ranking sergeants. Junior air force pilots could also receive it for showing extreme courage. It was meant to honor the brave men doing the toughest fighting on the front lines of World War II.

Could officers win this medal?

No, officers like captains or generals were not allowed to receive this medal. It was reserved only for the enlisted men and junior leaders who fought on the ground. This rule made the award a special symbol of pride for common soldiers who faced great danger.

How many steps did a soldier have to climb?

There were three classes, starting at the third class and moving up to the first. A soldier had to earn them one by one in that exact order to reach the top. Those who earned all three were called Full Cavaliers and were treated with the same high respect as a Hero of the Soviet Union.

What colors are on the ribbon?

The ribbon has three black stripes and two bright orange stripes. These colors were chosen to copy the famous Saint George cross from old Russian history. They make the medal look very special and easy to see on a soldier's uniform.

What special building is shown on the badge?

The center of the medal shows a picture of the Spasskaya Tower. This famous tower is part of the Kremlin building in Moscow, the capital of Russia. Having this picture on the badge reminded every soldier of the home and country they were fighting to protect.

Who was allowed to win the Order of Glory?

The Soviet government created this award in November 1943 for regular soldiers and lower-ranking sergeants. Junior air force pilots could also receive it for showing extreme courage. It was meant to honor the brave men doing the toughest fighting on the front lines of World War II.

Could officers win this medal?

No, officers like captains or generals were not allowed to receive this medal. It was reserved only for the enlisted men and junior leaders who fought on the ground. This rule made the award a special symbol of pride for common soldiers who faced great danger.

How many steps did a soldier have to climb?

There were three classes, starting at the third class and moving up to the first. A soldier had to earn them one by one in that exact order to reach the top. Those who earned all three were called Full Cavaliers and were treated with the same high respect as a Hero of the Soviet Union.

What colors are on the ribbon?

The ribbon has three black stripes and two bright orange stripes. These colors were chosen to copy the famous Saint George cross from old Russian history. They make the medal look very special and easy to see on a soldier's uniform.

What special building is shown on the badge?

The center of the medal shows a picture of the Spasskaya Tower. This famous tower is part of the Kremlin building in Moscow, the capital of Russia. Having this picture on the badge reminded every soldier of the home and country they were fighting to protect.

Home Library Soviet UnionOrder of Glory

Valor decoration

Order of Glory

This award recognized enlisted troops and sergeants who carried out very brave battlefield actions.

Soviet Union Established 1943 Army and Air ForcePrecedence: Worn on the left chest immediately after the Order of the Badge of Honour.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for exceptional personal courage and bravery on the battlefield by enlisted military personnel.

Eligibility

Enlisted soldiers, sergeants, and junior aviation lieutenants.

Branch

Army and Air Force

Precedence

Worn on the left chest immediately after the Order of the Badge of Honour.

Order of Glory, Valor decoration, Soviet Union medal

History

The Order of Glory was established in November 1943 specifically to honor enlisted soldiers and junior sergeants. Commissioned officers could not receive this award. It was modeled partly after the famous Tsarist Cross of Saint George, using an identical orange-and-black striped ribbon.

The award was split into three classes: 3rd Class made of silver, 2nd Class made of silver with gold highlights, and 1st Class made of solid gold. A soldier had to earn the third class first, then the second, and finally the first class.

Soldiers who managed to earn all three classes were called Full Cavaliers of the Order of Glory. They received the exact same special pension and national respect as a Hero of the Soviet Union.

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