WW2 Russian gallantry medal equivalent to Iron Cross and Medals of Honor

[aubagne98]

Hello,

 

what are the WW2 Russian gallantry medal/combat award equivalents to the Iron Cross/Knights Cross, Medal of Honor, Victoria Cross?

 

Thanks

 

Michael 

Edited August 9 by aubagne98

[Marcel B.]

I don't think you can compare these one on one.

[aubagne98]

Ok, well, let's try this way: what is the highest Russian medal/order during WW2 which is only given for military achievment and gallantry?

 

[Marcel B.]

The Gold Star for Hero of the Soviet Union (and with that comes the Order of Lenin).

[aubagne98]

Thanks you

[aubagne98]

I just googled.

This is also given for non-combat achievments.

 

I am looking for combat gallantry medal.

[Megan]

The USSR was more given to multi-purpose awards, but you might want to consider the Order of the Red Banner which could be awarded for individual gallantry or exceptional leadership in combat.

 

The Order of Glory may fit your needs, as that is only awarded for courage in the face of the enemy, but it's relatively junior in the order of precedence.

[aubagne98]

Thanks 

[Marcel B.]

7 hours ago, aubagne98 said:

I just googled.

This is also given for non-combat achievments.

That is why I said you can not compare these one on one.

[Eric Gaumann]

I would say the Soviet Order of Glory 1st Class is closest as far as number awarded goes.

The UK Victoria Cross was awarded well less than 1,000 times during WW2, The US Medal of Honor was awarded 472 times in that conflict, and the German Knights Cross with Oak Leaves 882 times.

The Soviet OG1 was awarded 2,620 times.

[Konstantin]

On 11/08/2024 at 11:15, Megan said:

The USSR was more given to multi-purpose awards, but you might want to consider the Order of the Red Banner which could be awarded for individual gallantry or exceptional leadership in combat.

 

The Order of Glory may fit your needs, as that is only awarded for courage in the face of the enemy, but it's relatively junior in the order of precedence.

 

Red Banner was awarded for 20 years of service as well (1944-1957). Not sure the Iron Cross could be a long service award. Soviet and German systems couldn't compared precisely...

On 14/08/2024 at 13:56, Eric Gaumann said:

I would say the Soviet Order of Glory 1st Class is closest as far as number awarded goes.

The UK Victoria Cross was awarded well less than 1,000 times during WW2, The US Medal of Honor was awarded 472 times in that conflict, and the German Knights Cross with Oak Leaves 882 times.

The Soviet OG1 was awarded 2,620 times.

 

Order of Glory was intended for lower ranks: from a private to "starshina" (staff-sergeant?). To a 2nd lieutenant in Air Force as well. Could a "Schutze" be awarded by a Knight's Iron Cross?

[Eric Gaumann]

3 hours ago, Konstantin said:

Could a "Schutze" be awarded by a Knight's Iron Cross?

Non-coms certainly were awarded RKs although not in great numbers.  I'd suspect schutze's with the prerequisite EK 1&2 got a promotion and then a RK.