The Order of the Patriotic War was established by a strong-willed decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet State in May 1942. And although it was one of the most difficult periods of wartime, however, in December 1941, it was necessary to
beginning of the first victories over the Germans. And even in the history of the retreat of the Red Army from the first days of hostilities there were many heroic pages. What is the defense of the Brest Fortress or the battle for Moscow worth! During the era of battles and after the end of hostilities, this order became one of the most popular regalia of the country. The most prestigious insignia were the Order of the Red Star, the Order of the Patriotic War. As well as the medals "For Military Merit" and "For the Victory over Germany" established in the fall of 1938. Actually, during the war years alone, 1,276,000 people were awarded orders.
Provisions of the statute of the Order of the Patriotic War
A month later, the description of the appearance of the regalia was slightly changed. And the statute took its final form after the victory in the war on December 16, 1946. According to its provisions, the order was awarded to all persons from the rank and file and officers of the Red Army, the NKVD troops, SMERSH, the navy, as well as partisandetachments that showed courage, bravery and steadfastness in the fight against the enemy for the Soviet country. In addition, military personnel were awarded the regalia, thanks to whose actions the success of the combat operations of the Soviet troops was ensured.
Awarding, according to the statute, is made through the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the country. The Order of the Patriotic War, the combat insignia had two degrees: first and second. The first one was the highest. The question of which order to award a distinguished serviceman was also determined by the Presidium. It depended on the degree of merit.
Appearance of the Order of the Patriotic War
The product itself is a cast medal depicting a convex five-pointed star, which is covered with red-ruby enamel with a background of gold rays that diverge in the form of a five-pointed star, the ends of which are placed between the ends of the red star. In the middle of the reddest star there is a golden image of a hammer and a sickle on a red-ruby plate, which is bordered by a white enamel belt containing the inscription: "Patriotic War". At the bottom of the belt is a gold star. The white belt and the red star have golden rims. The background of the rays of the red star is an image of the ends of a saber and a rifle crossed with each other. The hilt of the checkers and the butt of the rifle are turned down. Orders of the Patriotic War had several manufacturing options. So, the insignia of the second degree wasmade of silver. Although there were gilded some parts that were not enamelled. The order of the first degree contained more gold. The diameter of the order is 45 mm. The length of the images of checkers and rifles is also 45 mm. The diameter of the circle with the inscription is somewhat smaller - 22 mm. Each order on its reverse side has a threaded font and a nut made to attach it to clothing.
