Hero of the Soviet Union
Hero of the Soviet Union (Russian: Герой Советского Союза) was the highest award and honorary title in the Soviet Union. It was established on April 16, 1934, by resolution of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee and first awarded on April 20, 1934. It was awarded until 1991. Multiple awards were possible; Marshal Georgy Zhukov was awarded the honorary title four times. In 1992, Boris Yeltsin, as President of Russia, established the title Hero of the Russian Federation (Герой Российской Федерации Geroj Rossijskoj Federacii), which replaced the old title of the defunct Soviet Union. This title is still awarded today.
The order also served as a model for the “Hero of the GDR” award, which was established in the GDR in 1975.
Design of the Order of Hero of the Soviet Union
The medal itself is a five-pointed gold star. On the smooth reverse is the inscription "Heroy SSSR" (Hero of the USSR) and the award number. The star was worn on a red ribbon. The star measures approximately 30 x 30 mm and weighs approximately 21 g. The craftsmanship is of the highest quality.
Prerequisite for the award of the Order of Hero of the Soviet Union
The order could be awarded to both individuals and socialist collectives. The prerequisite was a heroic deed of exceptional service to the state and society of the Soviet Union.
The first Heroes of the Soviet Union were the so-called Chelyuskintsy in 1934. Seven pilots who distinguished themselves in a spectacular rescue of shipwrecked people were rescued from an ice floe by the entire crew of the Chelyuskin, trapped in the pack ice in the Arctic Ocean after their ship sank. The title was established on April 16, 1934, to commemorate this rescue and awarded to the seven pilots on April 20, 1934.
Simultaneously with the awarding of the title Hero of the Soviet Union, the Order of Lenin was also bestowed. The recipient received a one-time bonus equivalent to one year's salary. From the second award onward, he was entitled to a bronze bust of himself in his hometown.
Award figures for the Order of Hero of the Soviet Union
In total, the title was awarded to 13.000 people, over 11.000 of whom were awarded during the Second World War alone, from 1941 to 1945, or for actions during World War II. Of these, 150 were awarded twice, three were awarded three times, and two were awarded four times. Marshal of the Soviet Union Georgy Zhukov and the later head of state and party Leonid Brezhnev each received four awards.
Other well-known wearers include the cosmonauts Yuri Gagarin and Sigmund Jähn, the spy Richard Sorge, and Stasi chief Erich Mielke.
Wearing the Order of Hero of the Soviet Union
The award was worn on the left side of the chest, above all other awards. It was also not worn on the large medal bar like all other awards, but always separately.
Value and purchase of the Order of Hero of the Soviet Union
A value can only be determined individually. The value of the piece depends heavily on the individual award number on the back, as this can be used to identify the wearer or at least narrow down the award period. The value of an Order of Lenin also depends on the current gold price due to the precious metal used. However, for a flawless piece, you can expect a price starting at €2.000.
