Order "People's Hero".

[deValcourt]

I should think the latter, like the famous old Japanese last resort for "honorable death."

Phillip

[UQWozza]

I read some of the info on recipients in the Wikipedia version of the article. Suicide seemed to include deeds like blowing up the bunker which the recipient occupied to destroy advancing enemy troops.

At least half the awards appear to be posthumous.

An expert will have to comment on the number of awards though around 1,400 by the time they stopped awarding it seems to be a fairly consistent number. Most of the later awards appear to be to important politicians whereas the earlier awards all seem to be to partizans or people executed by the ruling regime for their political beliefs.

Simon

[new world]

Multiple Orders People's Hero on display in military Museum in Belgrade

[new world]

Living Hero - Velimir Radičević Veco, he was 97 years old in 2011 when this photo was taken, for sure one of the last Heroes alive.

Link to the interview with the Hero if you can understand Serbian language:
Press Online :: Life style :: Grudvama na narodnog heroja

[new world]

Another living Hero - Jošo Durbaba, he was 92 y.o. in 2011 when they interviewed him.

It looks like he achieved rank of a General under Tito.

Here's photo of him wearing the award. Also note TWO Bravery orders!

Link to the interview:
Najodlikovaniji Titov general | Aktuelno | Novosti.rs

[new world]

Another interview with Hero Jošo Durbaba from 2010, and photo of him wearing Hero award.

Link to interview and video of him.
Tanjug: Kako je četnik postao narodni heroj | Mondo

[new world]

Documented Hero group

[new world]

Another documented one, recently was offered for sale by a dealer