Order of Lenin State History Museum is one of the world’s largest repositories of historical relics. Its funds collected more than four million pieces of national history – the magnificent collection of old clothes, weapons, items made of precious metals, wood, ceramics, etc. Among other relics the museum houses numerous Russian military awards – medals, awarding weapons, honorable military banners both of pre-revolutionary Russia and the Soviet period. Russian military awards – the brightest monuments of our military history, reminiscent of the glorious pages of the fight against the enemies of the Fatherland. Russian military awards

First Russian military awards

Russian First Order, named St. Andrew, was established at the end of the XVII century. Its signs consisted of a large octagonal silver embroidered star with the motto “For Faith and Loyalty” and actually sign the Order in the form of oblique of “St. Andrew’s” cross of blue enamel (which according to tradition was crucified saint). In the time after Peter to the sign was added Black State Russian eagle, created background. Sign cross worn on a wide blue ribbon over the right shoulder, and on special occasions – on a gold ribbon, decorated with colorful enamel chain on the chest.

1 – Medal commemorating the establishment of the Order of St. Andrew

2 – Medal with portrait of Golovin – the first holder of the Order

3-4 – The Star and the badge of the Order (cross), worn on special occasions on the chain

First knight of the Order of St. Andrew became a famous figure of the Petrine era FA Golovin. Peter I himself was awarded this award only in 1703, for a specific military feat – taking two Swedish warships at the mouth of the Neva River. Overall, in the time of Peter the Order received about forty people, for the battle of Poltava – five.

Another relic, stored in a museum, owned by the famous Russian commander Pyotr Bagration, a disciple and companion of AV Suvorov and MI Kutuzov, hero of the War of 1812. This ribbon of the Order of St. Andrew was on his chest at when Bagration was mortally wounded in the Battle of Borodino.

Award medals of Peter the Great

3-4 – Medals for taking Schliesselburg (Noteburg) in 1702

5 – Medal for the capture of two Swedish vessels at the mouth of the Neva in 1703

6 – Gold medal for the battle of Vasa in 1714 – an award for officers

7 – Silver medal for the Battle at Gangut in 1714 – an award for the rank and file of battle

8 – Officer’s gold medal winner at Grengam in 1720

9-10 – Gold and silver medals in memory Nystadt peace with Sweden. 1721

The Order of St. Alexander Nevsky. Established in 1725

Peter the Great established another order, destined to reward solely for military feats, it got the name of a prominent Russian commander Alexander Nevsky. Peter himself had not awarded the medal anyone. When Catherine as his wife and successor, became the head of state after the death of her husband, she awarded civilians as well.

Award medals and crosses the second half of the 18th century:

Winner Medal for Kunersdorf 1 August 1759 for soldiers of regular troops. Medal Kunersdorf for commanders of Cossack regiments. Silver trumpet – collective award for the capture of Berlin in 1760.

6-7 – Award and commemorative medals for victory in Chesma bay

8 – Award medal for victory at Kagul June 21, 1770.

9 – Medal in honor of Field Marshal Rumyantsev Zadunaisky, who concluded the victorious peace with Turkey in 1774

5-6 – Gold and silver officer’s cross medal for soldiers to storm the fortress Ochakov in December 1788. Obverse and reverse

10 – Medal commemorating the conclusion of peace with Turkey for the participants in the war of 1768 – 1774 years

11-12 – Medals to commemorate the conclusion of peace with Sweden after the war in 1788 – 1790’s and after the war with Turkey, 1787-1791

7-8 – Officers and Soldiers Cross medal for taking part in the storming of Izmail in December 1790

9 – Chest officer sign Fanagoriis Grenadier Regiment the cross with the image of Ismail. 19th Century

The idea of a reward solely for military service was not forgotten, and in 1769 was established the Order of St. George for rewarding officers and generals for combat exploits. Order could get, for example, one who “personally chairing army will win over the enemy, consisting of significant forces, a complete victory, the consequence of which would be perfect for their destruction”, or “personally chairing the army, taking the fortress”. This award could also be granted for the capture of an enemy flag, the capture or the Corps Commander -in-Chief of the enemy troops and other outstanding feats.

Order of St. George. St. George awards

2 – Medal commemorating the establishment of the Order of St. George

3 – Badge of the Order of St. George 4th degree

4 – Star, the ribbon and the Order of St. George. 1769

5 – Golden St. George Weapon “For Bravery”

1 – the decorations. Established in 1807

2 – Officer’s Cross of the participation in the Battle of Eylau in January 1807, replicating the shape of the cross of St. George

3 – Soldier’s The first, second, third and fourth degree George Crosses

Awards for irregular Cossack troops of the 18th century:

Order of St. Vladimir

1 – Medal commemorating the establishment of the Order of St. Vladimir

2 – Star, ribbon and badge of the Order of St. Vladimir of the first degree

3 – United star orders of St. Alexander Nevsky and St. Vladimir

4-5 – The Star of the Order of St. Vladimir. 18 – early 19th century

6-9 – Star of the Order of St. Vladimir. 18 – the beginning of the 20th century. 13-18 – Signs (crosses) of the Order of St. Vladimir

Order of St. Anne

1 – Star, ribbon and badge of the Order of St. Anne of the first degree

2-3 – Star of the Order of St. Anne

4-7 – Signs (crosses) of the Order of St. Anne. 18 – early 20th centuries

Star, ribbon and badge of the Order of St. John of the first degree

2-3 – Star of the Order of St. John

4-5 – Donatsky soldiers insignia of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem

8,9,10 – Award medal for irregulars troops of Emperor Paul

6.7 – An image in copper of unknown Pavlovian reward “For Victory 1800”

Order of the White Eagle:

1-2 – Star of the Order of the White Eagle

3- Sign of the Order of the White Eagle with crown (until February 1917)

Order of St. Stanislaus:

1-3 – Star of the Order of St. Stanislaus

4-8 – Sign of the Cross of the Order of St. Stanislaus

5 – 9 – Order Signs ‘Virtuti Military’ of the second – fifth degree

Russian military awards