- Time Period: Second World War
- Year of Institution: 9 May 1945
- Country: Russia & USSR
The Medal “For the Victory Over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945” was a military decoration of the Soviet Union established on May 9, 1945 to denote military participation in the victory of the Soviet armed forces over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War.
It was awarded to all military and civilian personnel of the Red Army, of the Navy and of the troops of the NKVD who were directly involved on the different fronts of World War II. Award of the medal was made on behalf of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
The Medal "For the Victory Over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945" Design
The medal was 32mm in diameter, circular and made of brass, with a raised rim on both sides. It was worn on the left side of the chest.
On its obverse, the left profile bust of Joseph Stalin in the uniform of a Marshal of the Soviet Union, along the upper circumference of the medal, the relief inscription “OUR CAUSE IS RIGHTEOUS”, along the lower circumference of the medal, the relief inscription “WE ARE VICTORIOUS”. On the reverse, at the bottom, a small five pointed star, along the medal circumference, the relief inscription “FOR VICTORY OVER GERMANY”, in the center, the relief inscription on three rows “IN THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR OF 1941–45”.
Notable Recipients
Here are five notable recipients of the Medal “For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945”:
Joseph Stalin: As the leader of the Soviet Union during World War II, Joseph Stalin played a crucial role in guiding the country to victory over Nazi Germany. His leadership, strategic decisions, and mobilization of resources were instrumental in the Soviet Union’s success on the Eastern Front.
Georgy Zhukov: Marshal Georgy Zhukov was one of the most prominent Soviet military commanders during World War II. He played a key role in several major battles, including the defense of Moscow, the Battle of Stalingrad, and the Battle of Berlin. Zhukov’s tactical brilliance and leadership skills were vital to the Soviet victory over Germany.
Vasily Zaytsev: Sergeant Vasily Zaytsev was a Soviet sniper who became famous for his remarkable marksmanship during the Battle of Stalingrad. He is credited with killing hundreds of enemy soldiers, including numerous German officers. Zaytsev’s exploits made him a symbol of Soviet resistance and contributed to the morale of Soviet troops.
Lyudmila Pavlichenko: Sergeant Lyudmila Pavlichenko was one of the most successful female snipers in history. She recorded 309 confirmed kills during her service in World War II, making her one of the top snipers of the conflict. Pavlichenko’s courage and skill earned her widespread recognition and accolades, including the Medal “For the Victory over Germany”.
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn: While primarily known as a writer and dissident, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn also served as a captain in the Red Army during World War II. He was awarded the Medal “For the Victory over Germany” for his contributions to the war effort. Solzhenitsyn later gained international acclaim for his literary works, including “One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich” and “The Gulag Archipelago”.
