Symbols of grandeur – Orders of the Soviet military leaders

12.05.2010

The exhibition which takes place in the Moscow Kremlin is devoted to Soviet Orders, established in the period of the Great Patriotic War. These Orders became the symbols of a victory gained by the Russians. Establishment of the Soviet medals for rewarding military forces and civilians in the period of 1942-1945 has been linked to first successful military operations accomplished by the Soviet Army. There is the Order the Patriotic War of two Classes, introduced on May 20, 1942 by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, at the exhibition.

The exhibition demonstrates Orders awarded to army commanders for outstanding direction of combat operations and great leadership. Having been created to revitalize heroic events of the past, they were named after the Russian notable military leaders: the Order of Suvorov of three Classes, the Order of Kutuzov of three Classes, the Order of Alexander Nevsky.


Main items of the exposition are the most well-known awards of the Soviet post-war time – medals of the Order of Victory and of the Order of Glory of three classes, established on November 08, 1943. The Order of Victory was awarded personally, only to Generals and Marshals for "successful operation within the framework of one or several fronts resulting in a radical change of the situation in favour of the Red Army”. It is still considered as the top military reward in the Soviet Armed Forces and one of the rarest in the world. The Order of Glory, modelled on the Cross of St. George, was awarded to officers and soldiers of the armed forces, as well as junior lieutenants of the air force, for bravery in the face of the enemy. The Orders have become the symbols of national glory.

It is worth to visit the exhibition for everyone, who is interested in history of the USSR military decorations. To order your guide please contact Go Russia.

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