FOR BRAVERY

Designer: artist S.I.Dmitriyev The medal was instituted on October 17, 1938 for decorating soldiers of the Soviet Army, Navy, and border guards for personal valor and bravery exhibited in the defense of the Motherland and discharge of their military duty. From the moment of its appearance it remained the highest medal of USSR and remained as such until the moment of the Soviet Union's collapse. As opposed to many other medals or even orders, which were often given "for participation", the medal "For Bravery" was awarded exclusively for valor exhibited in the field of battle. This peculiarity was exactly what accounted for the huge popularity of this medal among frontline soldiers and strong respect accorded to its holders. During the period of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, more than 4 million medals "For Bravery" were awarded.

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