The Soviet Military Awards Page

Soviet Titles

Sitemap
 
Titles of Distinction
Hero of the Soviet Union
Hero of Socialist Labor
Pilot-Cosmonaut of USSR
Dist. Military Pilot USSR
Dist. Military Navigator USSR
Dist. Test Pilot USSR
Dist. Test Navigator USSR
Distinguished Pilot USSR
Dist. Navigator USSR
  Orders
Order of Victory
Order of Lenin
Order of October Revolution
Order of the Red Banner
Order of Suvorov
Order of Ushakov
Order of Kutuzov
Order of Nakhimov
Order of Bogdan Khmelnitsky
Order of Alexander Nevsky
Order of the Patriotic War
Order of Red Banner of Labor
Order of Friendship
Order of the Red Star
Order Service to Motherland
Order of the Badge of Honor
Order of Honor
Order of Personal Courage
Order of Glory
Order of Labor Glory
Order of Mother Heroine
Order of Maternal Glory
  Medals
Medal of Ushakov
Medal of Nakhimov
20th Anniversary Red Army
Partisan of Patriotic War
Rescuing a Drowning Person
Maintaining Public Order
Military Cooperation
Safeguarding Frontiers
Bravery in Fire Fighting
For Bravery
Combat Service
Valiant Labor
Distinguished Labor
Restoration Donbass Mines
Res. Black Metal Enterprises
Development Virgin Lands
Dev. Non-Black Earth Region
Dev. Petro. of W. Siberia
Constr. Baikul-Amur Railroad
50 Years Soviet Militia
Defense of Odessa
Defense of Sevastopol
Defense of Soviet Arctic
Defense of Caucasus
Defense of Kiev
Defense of Leningrad
Defense of Moscow
Defense of Stalingrad
Capture of Vienna
Capture of Budapest
Capture of Koenigsberg
Capture of Berlin
Liberation of Belgrade
Liberation of Prague
Liberation of Warsaw
Victory over Germany
Victory over Japan
Valiant Labor Patriotic War
Distinguished Mil. Service
Armed Forces Veteran USSR
100th Ann. Lenin's Birth
Veteran of Labor
Victory Commem. Medals
Armed Forces Ann. Medals
City Jubilee Medals
Motherhood Medals
Irreproachable Svc. Medals
  Miscellaneous
- Links of Interest
- Contact

Awards on this page:
search this site
Google
 
Web www.soviet-awards.com
Gold Star "Sickle and Hammer" of a Hero of
Socialist Labor

The Gold Star medal "Sickle and Hammer" was instituted by a Decree of the Presidium of the USSR Supreme Soviet, 22 May 1940. It was instituted to distinguish citizens who were honored with the title of "Hero of Socialist Labor" which had been officially awarded since 1938. The title of "Hero of Socialist Labor" was given for heroic achievements in labor such as significantly increasing production efficiency, and for successful implementation of methods and techniques which furthered the development of the State economy, science and culture. Recipients of this award simultaneously receive the Order of Lenin, and a Diploma of the Presidium of the USSR Supreme Soviet. It could be awarded several times to an individual, however in 1988, it was restricted to a one time only award. The first title of "Hero of Socialist Labor" was awarded to Josef Stalin, in 1939. Medal No. 1 was given to him in celebration of his 60th birthday. Approximately 20,500 were awarded with this medal, 180 twice, and 16 three times.The medal is made of Gold, the other parts are silver, covered in Gold. Special privileges were also granted to holders of this title. These included a pension with survivor benefits in case of Hero's death, first priority on the housing list, 50 per cent rent reduction, reduced taxation rates, up to an additional 15 square meters in living space, free yearly round-trip first class ticket, free personal bus transportation, free yearly visit to sanitarium or rest home, as well as entertainment and medical benefits.

Type 1                                          R6
Early suspension. Serial No. 1 was awarded to Josef Stalin in 1939.
Type 2 Variation 1                              R5          
Late Suspension. Large serial numbers (serial number below 999).
Type 2 Variation 2                              R3          
Late Suspension. Number on the top (serial numbers 1000-9999).
detail pic
Type 2 Variation 3                              R3          
Late Suspension. Number below legend (serial numbers 10,000 up).
detail pic
Type 2 Second Award                           R7           
Second award given to previous holders of the Gold Star "Hero of Socialist Labor". Second occurrences of this award were halted by a directive of the USSR Supreme Soviet, 22 August 1988. Approximately 180 exist.
Type 2 Third Award                              R8           
Third award given to previous holders of a Second award of the Gold Star "Hero of Socialist Labor". Third occurrences of this award were halted by a directive of the USSR Supreme Soviet, 22 August 1988. Approximately 16 exist.
RARITY KEY:
A-Abundant, readily available, often in wholesale quantities.
C-Common, always available. Occasionally in quantity.
R1-Usually available without a long delay. Difficult to find in quantity.
R2-Scarce to rare, less seldom available.
R3-Rare. Difficult to find.
R4-Very rare. Demand outstrips supply, and specimens, when
available are often eagerly sought.
R5-Extremely rare and seldom available. Collector may have to
search for a few years to locate one.
R6-Of the highest rarity. Very difficult to obtain.
R7-Almost never available. Most collectors will not have a chance to acquire these pieces.
R8-Never been on the market. Almost impossible to obtain.
R*-Not available for collections.
Copyright ©2007 Arthur G. Bates III. All Rights Reserved.
Best viewed using IE6+ 1024x768x32 Bit Color.
Please read the terms of use policy applicable to this site.