The  Order of the Red Banner is the oldest order of the USSR.  The order was first issued in screw form; however, it was attached to a five-sided metal ribbon holder with a latching pin on the reverse side in 1943.  The order is a military award presented for outstanding achievement in fulfilling a mission. 

Established:  1918;   No. issued:  600,000;   Metal Content (gr.):    Gold: .06; silver: 22.7

    # 524,000

Issued:  1947

    # 77,291

  Issued:  1943

    # 26,496

The Order of the Red Star is given for distinguished service to the state during war time and in peace.  It is the most common reward in the system of the Soviet orders (Oрдена CCCR, Anatoly Kytshenko).  The Red Star, # 24,814, below is rare because of the three rivets used to attach the front plate.

Established:  1930;   No. issued:   4,000,000;   Metal Content (gr.):  silver:  27.2

    # 197,218

  Issued:  1943

    # 24,814

        Issued:  1940

    # 1,594,124

Issued:  1944

    # 16,540

   Issued:  1940

  # 116,946

  Issued:  1942

The Order of Glory was awarded for gallantry in combat.  The order was only given for direct combat with the enemy. The order has three classes and was reserved exclusively for enlisted soldiers and Air Force junior lieutenants.(The Comprehensive Guide to Soviet Orders and Medals, Paul McDaniel and Paul J. Smith). The Third Class award is all silver.  The Second Class has a gold plated center and the First Class is solid gold.

Established:  1943;   No. issued:   1,050,000;   Metal Content (gr.):  3rd Cl: silver:  20.6;  2nd Cl: gold: .03; silver: 20.3;           1st Cl:  gold: 28.6; silver:  .80.

    # 732,033

  Issued:  1947

    #  15,023

    #  16,658

  #  175,135

  Issued:  1943

The recipient of this Red Star also received the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st class # 33,044, described on the preceding webpage, Orders PE-2.

Second issue of the order

  Honor Guard

Young Russian girls placing flowers on the grave.

A very solemn and serene place of honor by the wall of the Kremlin.  To the right of the Tomb are a series of red marble blocks listing all the “Hero Cities” which the Russian troops fought to defend or liberate.

The changing of the Honor Guard is very impressive.

     “GLORY”