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Was this the first Soviet medal?

Yes, it was the very first military award created by the new Soviet government in 1918. It started during the Russian Civil War to honor heroes who fought for the new state. Before other awards like the Order of Lenin were created, this was the highest military honor a soldier could receive in the entire country.

Could whole army units win this award?

Yes, entire groups like army regiments, navy ships, and even factories could win it for their collective courage. When a unit earned this prize, they were allowed to add the words 'Red Banner' to their official name as a sign of pride. They also displayed a special flag at their headquarters to show everyone their heroic history.

What picture is on the medal?

The medal is very beautiful and shows many important symbols of the Soviet Union. It features a bright red star, a flying red flag, and the famous hammer and sickle tool. All of these symbols are wrapped in golden wheat to make the medal look special and stand out on a uniform.

Could a soldier earn more than one?

Yes, a very brave soldier could earn this medal more than one time if they continued to act heroically. If a person won it again, they would have a small number placed on their badge to show how many times they had received the award. Some soldiers were so brave that they earned the medal five or even more times throughout their careers.

Did soldiers get it for long service?

For a short time after World War II, the government gave this medal to people who served in the military for twenty years as a reward for their long career. However, this was an exception to the rule because the award was mostly meant to honor soldiers who showed great courage in the middle of a battle. Most of the hundreds of thousands of medals given out were for acts of bravery during wars like the Winter War and World War II.

Was this the first Soviet medal?

Yes, it was the very first military award created by the new Soviet government in 1918. It started during the Russian Civil War to honor heroes who fought for the new state. Before other awards like the Order of Lenin were created, this was the highest military honor a soldier could receive in the entire country.

Could whole army units win this award?

Yes, entire groups like army regiments, navy ships, and even factories could win it for their collective courage. When a unit earned this prize, they were allowed to add the words 'Red Banner' to their official name as a sign of pride. They also displayed a special flag at their headquarters to show everyone their heroic history.

What picture is on the medal?

The medal is very beautiful and shows many important symbols of the Soviet Union. It features a bright red star, a flying red flag, and the famous hammer and sickle tool. All of these symbols are wrapped in golden wheat to make the medal look special and stand out on a uniform.

Could a soldier earn more than one?

Yes, a very brave soldier could earn this medal more than one time if they continued to act heroically. If a person won it again, they would have a small number placed on their badge to show how many times they had received the award. Some soldiers were so brave that they earned the medal five or even more times throughout their careers.

Did soldiers get it for long service?

For a short time after World War II, the government gave this medal to people who served in the military for twenty years as a reward for their long career. However, this was an exception to the rule because the award was mostly meant to honor soldiers who showed great courage in the middle of a battle. Most of the hundreds of thousands of medals given out were for acts of bravery during wars like the Winter War and World War II.

Home Library Soviet UnionOrder of the Red Banner

Valor decoration

Order of the Red Banner

This early military decoration honored brave soldiers and units showing remarkable battlefield courage.

Soviet Union Established 1918 All servicesPrecedence: Worn after the Order of the October Revolution and before the Order of Suvorov 1st Class.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for extraordinary bravery, heroism, and valor demonstrated during direct combat operations.

Eligibility

Military personnel, resistance partisans, state security officers, and military units.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn after the Order of the October Revolution and before the Order of Suvorov 1st Class.

Order of the Red Banner, Valor decoration, Soviet Union medal

History

The Order of the Red Banner was the first military decoration established by the Soviet government, beginning in 1918 during the Russian Civil War. It replaced tsarist decorations like the Order of Saint George. Before the Order of Lenin was created, this was the highest military award in the entire country.

Soldiers, airmen, sailors, and even entire military units could receive it. When a unit earned it, they added 'Red Banner' to their official unit name and hung a special banner in their headquarters.

Over the years, hundreds of thousands were awarded during the Winter War, World War II, and later conflicts like the war in Afghanistan. It remained one of the most respected military awards until the USSR broke apart in 1991.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Russian Civil WarWinter WarWorld War IISoviet-Afghan War

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