Soviet Medals

Established 21 June 1961. Awarded to all servicemen of the Soviet Army, Navy, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and citizens who took part in the defense of Kiev. The Defense of Kiev from 7 July 1941 until 26 September 1941 was the greatest defensive operation of the Soviet Army during the Great Patriotic War. On 11 July 1941, German troops advanced to the Irpen river, which is located 15-20 km. West of Kiev. The Irpen became the defensive line for over 2 1/2 months. 200,000 volunteers joined Soviet Army divisions in repelling attacks that included more than 40 enemy divisions, 10 of which were tank divisions. Despite heroic resistance, Soviet troops withdrew on 20 September 1941, due to superior numbers of the enemy. It is made of brass. Approximately 100,000 were issued.

Established 22 December 1942. Awarded to all servicemen of the Soviet Army, Navy, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and civil citizens who took part in the defense of Leningrad.The famous siege of Leningrad lasted for 900 days, beginning 8 September 1941 until 27 January 1944. German forces blockaded the city in an attempt to starve the resistant inhabitants into submission. Famine was rampant. Despite being outnumbered in weapons and men, Leningrad defenders fought building to building under heavy artillery fire and air bombardment. Soviet fighters began an offensive on 14 January 1944, and the blockade of the city ended on 27 January 1944. Leningrad was awarded the Title of "Hero City" on 1 May 1945, and is one of only four "Hero Cities" in the USSR (the others being Sevastopol, Stalingrad, and Odessa.) It is made of brass. Approximately 1,496,000 were issued.