- Time Period: Second World War
- Year of Institution: 3 March 1944
- Country: Russia & USSR
The Order of Nakhimov (or Орден Нахимова in Russian) is a military decoration of the Russian Federation established during World War II, bestowed to naval officers for outstanding military leadership and named in honor of Russian admiral Pavel Nakhimov (1802–1855).
The Order was awarded in two classes to officers of the Navy for outstanding achievements in the development, implementation and prosecution of naval operations resulting in the successful repelling of an opponent’s offensive or for active fleet operations that caused considerable damage to the enemy while conserving fleet assets.
The Order first class was awarded 82 times, including twice to naval units, such as the 1st torpedo-boat brigade of Sevastopol and the 1st Red Banner torpedo-boat brigade of the Baltic Fleet. The Order second class was awarded 469 times, including twice to naval units.
Following the 1991 dissolution of the USSR, the Order of Nakhimov was retained unchanged by decision of the Supreme Soviet of the Russian Federation № 2424-1 of March 2, 1992 but it was amended to its present form, a ribbon mounted single class Order.
The Order of Ushakov Design
The Order of Ushakov is a 40 mm wide blue enamelled silver cross pattée, seven silver rays of increasing size protrude from the center between each cross arm.
The Order of Nakhimov 1st class was of multi part construction consisting of a gold five pointed star displaying radiant rays (the bottom arm pointing straight down, a silver five pointed star with each arm ending in a naval sea anchor, its upper arm pointing straight up with the rays of the gold star protruding between its arms). A central gold medallion is covered with dark enamel and the gold left profile relief image of the bust of admiral Nakhimov over two laurel branches at the center of the medallion.
Above the head and along the medallion’s upper circumference is the inscription in gilt letters “ADMIRAL NAKHIMOV” (АДМИРАЛ НАХИМОВ). The hammer and sickle bisected the laurel branches on the central medallion. Five triangular red rubies were affixed to the silver star, one on each arm pointing out from the central medallion’s outer edge.
On the reverse of the silver star, a threaded screw and a 33 mm in diameter nut arrangement for attachment to clothing. The maker’s (mint) mark was located at the upper part of the gold star’s reverse, the award serial number was hand etched in the lower part. The Order of Nakhimov 2nd class was of two part construction and made entirely of silver with red enamel in lieu of rubies.
The only noticeable difference between the Soviet and early Russian Federation variants was the abrogation of the hammer and sickle from the latter.
