WW2 RUSSIAN SOVIET UNION ORDER OF THE RED BANNER MEDAL FOR BRAVERY

Order of the Red Banner of the Soviet Union. This is a WW2 era example, showing a flawless enamelled solid silver base, measuring 42mm high. The laurelled wreath shows a good age patina overall, with red/orange enamelled CCCP standard and central red star with hammer and sickle. Large red banner, again shows perfect enamel with no fading to lettering. Rear scalloped portion shows Moscow Mint marked and numbered.Comes with the ribbon wrapped mounting bracket as awarded. A rare award.

History

Established 1 August 1924.This was the first Soviet order. Awarded to military personnel of the Soviet Army and Navy who display exceptional courage, self-denial, and valour during combat. The Order of the Red Banner originally appeared in 1918, as the Order of the Red Banner of the Russian Federation. The award was offered to citizens of the Republic for exceptional military service. Other Soviet Republics followed Russia and issued their own version of the award. Azerbaijan was the first with the Order of the Red Banner of the Azerbaijan SSR. After the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1922, the country's all-union military decoration became the Order of the Red Banner. Earlier awards distributed by each of the Soviet Republics were allowed to be kept by their recipients. It was decided these awards had great historic significance as they were awarded during the Civil War, and served as reminders of heroic events.