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What does the star look like?

The medal is a beautiful five-pointed star made from solid silver. It is covered in bright red ruby enamel that makes it shine and stand out on a uniform. In the center is a circle showing a soldier holding a rifle. It became one of the most common awards to see on Soviet uniforms because so many brave people earned it.

Who is pictured in the middle?

The middle of the star shows a Soviet soldier standing tall and ready for action. He is wearing a long military coat to keep himself warm in the cold weather. He holds a rifle with a sharp metal blade called a bayonet on the front. This design reminded everyone that the medal was meant for those who stood up to defend their country.

Which side of the jacket was it pinned on?

The medal was not attached with a simple pin like a badge. Instead, it had a small screw post on the back that held it firmly onto the soldier's clothing. Soldiers wore the medal on the right side of their chest. It was placed there so that other people could see it easily when they met.

Was it awarded in the Afghan War?

Yes, this medal was used for many years during different conflicts, including the war in Afghanistan during the 1980s. Many Soviet soldiers who served in the rough mountains earned this award for their bravery. They received it for acting with great courage while facing very hard conditions. It was an important way to honor the hard work and sacrifice of these soldiers.

Could non-combatants earn it?

Yes, people who were not frontline fighters could still earn this special honor. Battlefield doctors and nurses received it for saving lives even when bombs and bullets were flying nearby. Military engineers also earned the star by building bridges or clearing dangerous paths to help their army move forward. It was meant to reward anyone whose hard work helped the military succeed in its mission.

What does the star look like?

The medal is a beautiful five-pointed star made from solid silver. It is covered in bright red ruby enamel that makes it shine and stand out on a uniform. In the center is a circle showing a soldier holding a rifle. It became one of the most common awards to see on Soviet uniforms because so many brave people earned it.

Who is pictured in the middle?

The middle of the star shows a Soviet soldier standing tall and ready for action. He is wearing a long military coat to keep himself warm in the cold weather. He holds a rifle with a sharp metal blade called a bayonet on the front. This design reminded everyone that the medal was meant for those who stood up to defend their country.

Which side of the jacket was it pinned on?

The medal was not attached with a simple pin like a badge. Instead, it had a small screw post on the back that held it firmly onto the soldier's clothing. Soldiers wore the medal on the right side of their chest. It was placed there so that other people could see it easily when they met.

Was it awarded in the Afghan War?

Yes, this medal was used for many years during different conflicts, including the war in Afghanistan during the 1980s. Many Soviet soldiers who served in the rough mountains earned this award for their bravery. They received it for acting with great courage while facing very hard conditions. It was an important way to honor the hard work and sacrifice of these soldiers.

Could non-combatants earn it?

Yes, people who were not frontline fighters could still earn this special honor. Battlefield doctors and nurses received it for saving lives even when bombs and bullets were flying nearby. Military engineers also earned the star by building bridges or clearing dangerous paths to help their army move forward. It was meant to reward anyone whose hard work helped the military succeed in its mission.

Home Library Soviet UnionOrder of the Red Star

Valor decoration

Order of the Red Star

This famous red enamel star honored brave defense work and great courage in combat.

Soviet Union Established 1930 All servicesPrecedence: Worn on the right side of the chest after the Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for outstanding service in defense of the Soviet Union and bravery in combat situations.

Eligibility

Soldiers, sailors, border guards, military units, and wartime civilians.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn on the right side of the chest after the Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class.

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

History

Established in April 1930 by Soviet authorities, the Order of the Red Star was created to recognize exceptional service in defending the nation during war and peace. It became one of the most common combat orders seen on the uniforms of Soviet soldiers.

The medal looks like a five-pointed red star with a soldier carrying a rifle depicted in the center. In the early days, it was given for testing experimental military equipment or defending Soviet borders against intruders.

During World War II, nearly three million soldiers and officers received it for fighting bravely and keeping units supplied under fire. Decades later in the 1980s, Soviet soldiers serving in the mountains of Afghanistan received it frequently for their bravery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Battles of Khalkhin GolWinter 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