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How many classes of the Saint George Cross exist?

There are four different classes of this medal. A soldier usually earns them one at a time, starting with the 4th Class and working up to the 1st Class. This system shows how many brave acts a soldier has performed over time.

What is pictured in the center of the cross?

The center of the medal shows a picture of Saint George sitting on a horse. He is shown using a spear to fight and defeat a dragon. This old image is a famous symbol of courage and goodness winning against evil.

Who can earn this medal?

This award is mainly for soldiers, sailors, and lower-ranking officers who fight on the front lines. It is not meant for top generals sitting in offices. It is meant to honor the bravery of the people who are in the middle of a battle.

What ribbon does it use?

The cross hangs from a special ribbon called the Saint George ribbon. It has three black stripes and two orange stripes. These colors represent the smoke and fire of battle, and they have been used to honor Russian soldiers for over two hundred years.

Can a soldier wear all four classes at once?

Yes, a person who earns all four classes is considered a great hero. They are allowed to pin all four crosses to their uniform at the same time. Seeing someone wear all four is a sign of extreme bravery shown in many different battles.

How many classes of the Saint George Cross exist?

There are four different classes of this medal. A soldier usually earns them one at a time, starting with the 4th Class and working up to the 1st Class. This system shows how many brave acts a soldier has performed over time.

What is pictured in the center of the cross?

The center of the medal shows a picture of Saint George sitting on a horse. He is shown using a spear to fight and defeat a dragon. This old image is a famous symbol of courage and goodness winning against evil.

Who can earn this medal?

This award is mainly for soldiers, sailors, and lower-ranking officers who fight on the front lines. It is not meant for top generals sitting in offices. It is meant to honor the bravery of the people who are in the middle of a battle.

What ribbon does it use?

The cross hangs from a special ribbon called the Saint George ribbon. It has three black stripes and two orange stripes. These colors represent the smoke and fire of battle, and they have been used to honor Russian soldiers for over two hundred years.

Can a soldier wear all four classes at once?

Yes, a person who earns all four classes is considered a great hero. They are allowed to pin all four crosses to their uniform at the same time. Seeing someone wear all four is a sign of extreme bravery shown in many different battles.

Home Library RussiaSaint George Cross

Valor decoration

Saint George Cross

A cherished cross of valor awarded to enlisted soldiers and sailors for outstanding personal gallantry in battle.

Russia Established 1807 All servicesPrecedence: Worn on the left chest immediately after state orders and before campaign medals

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded to soldiers, sailors, sergeants, and junior officers for personal courage and bravery displayed in the heat of battle.

Eligibility

Enlisted soldiers, sailors, non-commissioned officers, warrant officers, and junior field officers.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn on the left chest immediately after state orders and before campaign medals

Saint George Cross, Valor decoration, Russia medal

History

The Saint George Cross was first instituted in the Russian Empire in 1807 for non-commissioned officers and soldiers who showed battlefield valor. For generations, wearing the cross was the greatest point of pride for a front-line soldier. It was banned alongside other imperial decorations after the 1917 revolution.

In 1992, the Supreme Soviet restored the Saint George Cross to modern Russia's awards system. Its detailed rules were finalized by presidential decree in 2000. It revived the traditional four-class hierarchy, where a soldier begins at the 4th Class and works upward.

The 1st and 2nd classes are made of gold-plated silver, while the 3rd and 4th classes are made of silver. It has been presented during modern conflicts in Georgia, Syria, and Ukraine to recognize front-line fighters who perform courageous deeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War IRusso-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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