Герой Социалистического Труда · 1938–1991

Hero of Socialist Labour

사회주의노동영웅

The title Hero of Socialist Labour (Герой Социалистического Труда), instituted by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet on 27 December 1938, was the highest distinction for labour in the USSR. It was awarded to Soviet citizens for exceptional innovative achievements in industry, agriculture, science, and culture, accompanied by the Order of Lenin and the «Hammer and Sickle» gold medal (introduced in May 1940). The civilian counterpart to the Hero of the Soviet Union title, it was awarded over 20,000 times before its abolition with the Soviet award system in 1991.

Related people

Georgy Langemak Vladimir Zhigalin Pyotr Masherov

Sources

  1. Wikipedia (RU) establishment by decree of 27 December 1938, first award to Stalin (20 December 1939), Hammer and Sickle medal introduced 22 May 1940, over 20,000 total awards, 16 triple Heroes, abolition in 1991
  2. Wikipedia (EN) English summary of the title, statute, award description, and its distinction from Hero of the Soviet Union
  3. prlib.ru Presidential Library (prlib.ru): confirms the 27 December 1938 decree establishing the title, the 22 May 1940 decree creating the Hammer and Sickle medal, gold medal design by S.A. Pomansky, and abolition in 1991
  4. globalsecurity.org overview of the title's evolution from earlier 'Hero of Labour' (1921/1927) to the 1938 Supreme Soviet decree, and the addition of the Hammer and Sickle insignia
← Glossary