Medal For the Victory Over Germany

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The medal For the Victory Over Germany (Russian: "За победу над Германией") was one of the most honourable military decorations in the Soviet Union, and on the other hand, one of the most widespread ones. Almost 15 million people were awarded with this medal. It was awarded to all the solders, officers and partisans who directly participated in the live combat actions against Nazi Germany during the WWII

History

The official statue of the medal was established on 9 May 1945, which is celebrated in Russia and Eastern Europe as a Victory Day. Works on the medal prototype started already in the end of 1944 in the anticipation of the upcoming victory. Most of the awards were granted right after the end of the war. A proof of participation in the combat military operations was usually required, in order to be eligible for this decoration. After the war the medal, along with its less widespread sister medal For the Victory Over Japan, was commonly used to distinguish between the actual veterans of World War II and all non-combat participants.

Construction details

The medal is made out of brass and features the profile of Stalin at the front and the "For the Victory Over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945" text at the reverse. The ribbon of this medal is the Ribbon of Saint George.

External links

http://mondvor.narod.ru/MPobGerm.html (Russian)

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