Герой Советского Союза · 1934–1991

Hero of the Soviet Union

소비에트연방영웅

The highest honorary title of the USSR, established by decree of the Central Executive Committee on 16 April 1934. Awarded to both military personnel and civilians for heroic feats, it was accompanied by the Order of Lenin and, from August 1939, the Gold Star medal (Золотая Звезда). 91% of all awards were conferred during the Great Patriotic War; 154 people received the title twice, three received it three times, and only two, Zhukov and Brezhnev, received it four times. Cities and the Brest Fortress were also awarded the title, marking the apex of Soviet hero cult.

Related people

Aleksei Panfilov Pyotr Koshevoy Vladimir Alkhimov

Sources

  1. Wikipedia (EN) establishment date, Gold Star introduction (1939), award statistics, privileges, Zhukov/Brezhnev four-time controversy
  2. Wikipedia (RU) original 1934 CEC decree text, full 1973 statute, numbering system, Cheliuskin rescue as inaugural event
  3. iwm.org.uk Imperial War Museums: physical description of Gold Star medal, 12,745 total recipients, 11,635 WWII awards, last recipient Solodkov (24 Dec 1991)
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