Established 9 June 1945. Awarded to all servicemen of the Soviet Army, Navy, Ministry of Internal Affairs Troops (MVD) and State Security Committee Troops (KGB) who participated in the capturing of Berlin from 22 April 1945 until 2 May 1945. The capture of Berlin was one of the bloodiest military operations of WWII. With both sides combined, 3.5 million servicemen participated with 52,000 cannons, 7750 tanks and more than 10,000 planes. Soviet forces outnumbered fascist forces, but fascist troops had transformed Berlin into a fortress, with fortifications built on the streets. Severe fighting continued until the Soviet flag was hoisted over the Reichstag on 1 May 1945. 600 servicemen received the Hero of the Soviet Union title, and 13 servicemen received the Gold Star medal for the second time. It is made of brass. Approximately 1,100,000 were issued. |