The Medal "For Courage" was one of the oldest regalia of the Soviet state. And the oldest of those who survived until 1991. The establishment of this award took place in 1938 according to the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
According to the idea of the government, the medal "For Courage" was to be awarded to citizens of the country who showed personal courage during the performance of military duty - in battles for the Motherland and against the enemies of the socialist revolution. It should be noted that in the mid-thirties the probability of a counter-revolution was still considered quite high. And in the last two years of the decade, the threat from Nazi Germany became apparent. So the country really needed brave heroes. The medal "For Courage" from its very appearance has become the highest regalia in the system of awards of the USSR. And I must say that she was appreciated among the military, and indeed among the people, absolutely deservedly. Unlike many other awards that were awarded for participation in certain events, those awarded the Medal of Courage really could boast of personal courage and outstanding success in military affairs.
From the very moment of herinstitutions and until the German invasion, the award was presented to approximately 26,000 Soviet military personnel. As a rule, these were those who distinguished themselves in the Soviet-Finnish war and battles near the Khalkhin-Gol River. The Great Patriotic War in itself became the time of heroes who defended victory at the front and in the rear. It is not surprising that over 4 million people were awarded the country's highest military award. Of course, in non-war times, it was awarded much less frequently. So, until 1977, the number of those marked by valor increased only to 4.5 million. However, the war was not long in coming, and with it courageous fighters. During the ten years of fighting in Afghanistan, the medal "For Courage" again found many worthy owners. However, this war became one of the stones that knocked out the Soviet system. In 1991, the Soviet Union ceases to exist, and with it its insignia.
New life in a new country
The regalia was forgotten, becoming for a couple of years only a memory of the valor of past times. However, by the will of the Russian government, a decision was made to restore it, which happened on March 2, 1994 after the corresponding Presidential Decree. The appearance of the medal was left almost unchanged as a sign of respect for past victories. The only thing was, of course, the inscription "USSR" was removed and its size in diameter was slightly reduced. A more important change occurred in the conditions of awarding this distinction. If earlier the medal was awarded only to military personnel, now its scope has expanded. It can also be awarded to employees of the Ministryinternal affairs and people of other equally important professions (the medal "For Courage" in a fire, during detention, etc.). In addition, today the regalia can be received by all citizens who have shown personal courage in protecting the Russian Federation and its state interests from external and internal enemies.
