- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Year of Institution: 20 March 1992
- Country: Russia & USSR
The Hero of the Russian Federation Medal (or Герой Российской Федерации in Russian) was established in 1992 and is the highest honorary title of the Russian Federation. It’s awarded to persons for “service to the Russian state and nation, usually connected with a heroic feat of valor”. Its recipients wear a golden star that identifies them.
The title “Hero of Russia” is a successor to Hero of the Soviet Union, which was established by Resolution of the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Union of May 5, 1934. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russian Federation under president Boris Yeltsin retained a modified award.
The Hero of the Russian Federation Medal has been awarded more than 970 times since its establishment (440 times posthumously).
The Hero of the Russian Federation Criteria
The title is bestowed by decree of the president of the Russian Federation and can be awarded to foreign citizens and both civilian and military personnel. The title can also be awarded posthumously if the heroic act costs the recipient his or her life.
Early recipients of the Hero of the Russian Federation Medal predominantly fell into two groups: participants in the Chechnya conflicts and cosmonauts. Many recipients were posthumously awarded the title, such as Major Denis Vetchinov, who was killed early in the 2008 South Ossetia War. This category also includes government officials who were assassinated, like Akhmad Kadyrov, the former governor of Chechnya. Kadyrov, a pro-Moscow leader, was killed in a bomb attack during the 2004 Victory Day parade in Grozny.
All Russian cosmonauts receive the Hero of the Russian Federation title following their space missions. Some cosmonauts, like Sergei Krikalev, have received both the Soviet and Russian hero titles, along with the Order of Lenin, for their distinguished service and achievements.
The Hero of the Russian Federation Medal Design
The insignia of the title is also called the “Gold Star” medal (медаль Золотая Звезда) and its design is similar to the Soviet Hero of the Soviet Union variant. It was created by the architect Miron Merzhanov.
The medal is a gold five-pointed star with smooth 15mm dihedral rays on the obverse. The otherwise plain reverse bears the prominent relief inscription in 2mm high letters “HERO OF RUSSIA” (Russian: “ГЕРОЙ РОССИИ”) at its center, in the upper portion, the award serial number in 1mm high numbers.
The insignia is secured to a standard Russian square mount by a ring through the suspension loop. The mount is covered by a silk moiré tricolor ribbon of white, blue, and red.
The insignia is worn on the left side of the chest above all other medals and decorations and always in full size.
