The medal "For the Defense of Leningrad" was awarded to the heroes who passed combat tests in the hottest spots, and to individuals who took part in the defense of the city, now known as St. Petersburg.
The state award was established in 1943 and became one of the first military medals of the Soviet Union. Similar medals were also issued for the defense of Odessa, Stalingrad and Sevastopol.
History
In September 1942, the Soviet Union petitioned for the establishment of a government award. The famous artist Moskalev was honored to develop the layout of the medal. He developed a unique design project, after which the medal "For the Defense of Leningrad" was established.
Also, A. A. Barkhin, B. G. Barkhin and Kogisser presented their layouts.
Who was given the medal "For the Defense of Leningrad"
In addition to the participants in the hostilities, the award was also received by:
- Workers.
- Teachers who, despite hunger and cold, continued to work and thereby distract children from the horror thatgoing around.
- Builders.
- Civilians who did their best to defend the city. Those who, without any military or other training, fought for the lives of their relatives, neighbors and just residents of the city.
- Doctors who worked not only on the battlefield and saved the wounded, but also those who helped the inhabitants of the city.
All military personnel awarded the medal "For the Defense of Leningrad" received an award for their efforts while serving in the internal troops. In total, more than half a million blockade survivors were awarded during the war. By 1995, 900,000 more people had received awards, bringing the total to 1,470,000 heroes.
Today, the Siege Museum presents all the heroes who received the medal "For the Defense of Leningrad". The list of awardees consists of 6 volumes.
Description of the medal
First, the medal was cast from the rarest brass alloy. Since it was the most significant government award, every effort was made to make it. Although at first it was decided to cast the award from stainless steel (it is noteworthy that later options from this alloy really began to appear). In January 1943, the Leningrad Mint will receive a decision to manufacture the first batch of medals. Within a few months, the first thousand medals were awarded to war heroes. It was round in shape, 32 mm in diameter. On the front side, it was decided to depict several Red Army soldiers with machine guns who fired mercilessly at the enemy,defending the building of the Admir alty. On the reverse side of the medal was engraved the inscription "For our Soviet Motherland". In addition to the main model, a jubilee version was also made, on which there was another inscription “In memory of the fiftieth anniversary of Leningrad.”
Initially, the medal was made with a cast lug, and the serial number was stamped on the reverse. Over time, awards without such numbers began to appear, made no longer of brass, but of stainless steel. You can also highlight several varieties and modifications of the award.
Option 1
The eye of the medal was a separate element that was simply soldered to the base. This method was used to make the award during the Second World War and for some time after its end. Among these medals, serial numbers on the reverse were the least common. In fact, it is still not known where this tradition came from. Most likely, the awards were numbered directly in the military units, and the number itself corresponded to the number of the division.
Option 2
The round eye of the medal was one-piece stamped. Such awards were given after the end of the war to those heroes who, for one reason or another, could not receive a medal earlier. Its block was made of aluminum.
Additional incentives
The heroes of the defense of Leningrad also received a special certificate, in which a verse dedicated to the protected city was written. People who had both direct and indirect relation to the blockade could receive the award. For example, this honorwas awarded to the Metropolitan of Leningrad Alexy, as well as the secretary of the regional party committee Ryzhov Konstantin and many others. Medals were awarded to historical figures, government officials and ordinary military. Metropolitan Alexy took an unbearable part in raising funds for the speedy construction of a new tank division. In the shortest possible time, the clergyman collected about 6 million rubles and thereby helped save thousands of lives not only of civilians, but also of the military on the battlefield.
Traditionally, the medal "For the Defense of Leningrad" was worn on the left side of the chest. Usually, this medal was placed next to the award "For saving the drowning"
Medal "For the Defense of Leningrad" now
It's no secret that many collectors are ready to pay a round sum for the right to own such a relic. On the Internet, you can find a huge number of auctions and offers to purchase such a medal. Despite the fact that auctions start literally from 200 rubles, the final cost can reach hundreds of thousands. The cost directly depends on when exactly the award was issued, what material it is made of, etc.
Scammers also make money from this. They put up for auction the medal "For the Defense of Leningrad", a photo of which confirms the fact that you have a true award in front of you. But in fact it turns out that this is just a cheap fake that has nothing to do with the original.
Hierarchy of awards
There were three similar awards. The most honorable and eldest wasmedal "For saving the drowning" This was followed by the award "For the Defense of Leningrad", and then came the medal "For the Defense of Moscow". The presence of any of these medals allowed its owner not only to apply for a high position, but also gave the right to all kinds of incentives from the state.
In conclusion
The blockade was one of the loudest and most tragic periods in history. It is difficult to imagine what trials our grandfathers and great-grandfathers had to go through. Having defended not only Leningrad, but the whole homeland, they gave a chance for existence to all future generations. Despite all the efforts of the enemy, the heroes defended the country and forever secured the concept of resilience for the Russian people. Undoubtedly, the heroes who have been awarded this medal deserve our eternal gratitude, respect and reverence.
