During the formation of the power of the Soviet state, special attention was paid to stimulating the citizens of the future power to work. Not only ideological and encouraging slogans were used, but also various ways of rewarding. Among them was the established medal "For Labor Valour".
Establishment of the award
The Medal "For Labor Valor" (its photo is presented in this article) was one of the first awards in the Soviet Union, which appeared in the pre-war years. In 1938, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR issued a decree on the establishment of the medal and compiled an initial list of those who could claim to be awarded it. Subsequently, some changes were made to the award regulations.
The medal was intended for those who worked valiantly and selflessly. Potential nominees for the award included collective farm workers, scientific and cultural figures, specialists in the national economy, education, medicine, and others. Those who were not citizens of the USSR could also be awarded.
Grounds for the award
Those who were awarded the medal "For Labor Valor" were distinguished by overfulfillment of plans for socialist tasks, production standards, an increase in labor productivity, and an increase in the quality of products. In addition, scientific discoveries that improve production capacities, the introduction of advanced technologies, and the implementation of important rationalization decisions were in the field of view.
Workers in trade, housing and communal services, specialists in education and he althcare, consumer services and nutrition, as well as figures of culture, science, art, literature, and later cinematography were also often awarded. Achievements in the field of sports, communist education and vocational training of the younger generation were also awarded with a medal.
Exterior design
The medal "For Labor Valor" has a regular round shape, its diameter is 3.4 centimeters. The award is made of silver of the highest standard. The obverse depicts a five-pointed star covered in ruby-red enamel in relief. A sickle and a hammer are silvered in the center of the star. The name of the award is engraved below the star in two lines. The letters are covered with the same enamel as the star. On the lower semicircle - a relief inscription "USSR".
The words "Work in the USSR is a matter of honor" are engraved on the reverse side of the medal. It is attached to a pentagonal block covered with lilac silk moire ribbon. The award is worn on the left. If there are other awards in the arsenal, it is placed in a row after the Nakhimov medal.
First Awards
Approving the medal "For Labor Valour", the USSR thus brought the working class to the forefront of socialist construction, which, in fact, strengthened its position among the people. "Junior" in status was the medal "For Labor Distinction". Both medals became the prototypes of military analogues - the medals "For Courage" and "For Military Merit".
The medal was designed by artist Ivan Dubasov. The first award took place in January 1939. The first medal "For Labor Valor" was immediately received by 22 people - workers of the plant near Moscow named after Mikhail Kalinin. The factory workers were awarded a high award for the invention of new weapons.
Literally two days later, a new decree on the award was issued. For the progressive development and mastering of the method of underground gasification of coal, 14 people from the Podzemgaz office in the Donbass were awarded. Rural workers of Uzbekistan in the amount of 87 people were awarded three days later. A few days later, the award found its heroes in Magadan, where 81 people from the Dalstroy road and industrial production enterprise distinguished themselves.
Before the start of the Great Patriotic War, eight thousand people were awarded in the industrial and agricultural fields. At the beginning of 1995, the number of awardees was already more than 1.82 million people.
Reward in modern times
Obviously, after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the insignia and awards of the Soviet state lost their power. Issuethey, of course, also stopped. The concept of rewarding for labor achievements is a thing of the past, leaving only reminders of itself.
However, after some time, they decided to return the medal. In 2000, the Russian Ministry of Defense established a similar medal. The medal "For Labor Valor" of the Ministry of Defense is intended for awarding civilians working in the armed forces of the Russian Federation. Among the merits worthy of this distinction are conscientious and long-term work, professional achievements in the field of scientific and industrial developments, as well as in the field of personnel training.
A special order of the military department is issued on the presentation of the applicant for the award. The medal is presented personally by the Minister of Defense of the country. As before, it is located on the chest on the left side, after all state insignia, if any.
The appearance of the new medal
The medal "For Labor Valor" of the Russian Ministry of Defense is somewhat smaller than its Soviet predecessor and is 3.2 centimeters in diameter. Made from dark bronze. In the center of the obverse, the standard of the Ministry of Defense framed by an oak wreath is depicted in relief. Embossed inscriptions - in two lines in the center the name of the award, on the top "Ministry of Defense" and on the bottom "Russian Federation" - are located on the reverse side.
In 2014, by decree of the Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu, changes were made to the provision on awarding a medal. In particular, the list of persons who can apply for this insignia has been significantly expanded. ToFor example, the Russian medal "For Labor Valor" can also be received by specialists in the field of culture, education, art, and he althcare. In addition, industry and research workers who directly carry out orders from the military department can also be awarded a medal.
Privileges
Despite the fact that one of the first awards was the medal "For Labor Valor", benefits do not apply to it, at least expressed in monetary terms. The only thing her cavalier can count on is the right to be awarded the title of "Veteran of Labour", as well as priority in receiving anniversary insignia by the round date from the day the Great Patriotic War ended.
If there is a medal "For Labor Valor" in the arsenal, benefits in the form of cash payments or compensation can still be received. To do this, you must apply for recognition as a labor veteran. Women can apply for the title upon reaching the age of 55, men - 60 years.
At the same time, a Ministry of Defense medal received by a civilian already gives more privileges. The holder of the medal "For Labor Valor" upon reaching retirement age will receive up to 75% of the official salary.
