The first Order of Lenin was awarded to the newspaperKomsomolskaya Pravdaon 23 May 1930. Also among the first ten recipients were five industrial companies, three pilots, and the Secretary to the Central Executive CommitteeAvel Yenukidze. The first person to be awarded a second Order of Lenin was the pilotValery Chkalovin 1936. Another pilot,Vladimir Kokkinaki, became the first to receive a third Order in 1939.
The first five foreign recipients – who were presented with the Order on 17 May 1932 – comprised a German and fourUS citizens, one of whom wasFrank Bruno Honey.[3]They received the award for helping in the reconstruction of Soviet industry and agriculture, during 1931–1934.[4]
In total, 431,418 orders were awarded, with the last on 21 December 1991.
