Unit Policy on Awards and Medals
The Soviet Union was prolific in the giving of awards and medals in the Great Patriotic War, and it would be wrong to omit them from our impressions. However we also do not want members of the unit looking like the soviet generals did in the Victory Day Parade.
Awards are put into two categories, Campaign and Merit.
Campaign Awards
Campaign Awards were issued to soldiers who took part in certain battles of the War. While there were a lot of soviet campaign medals, many of the issued awards came after the war. There are only two campaign medals authourized for the 416th to wear at events.
Defense of Stalingrad Established December 22, 1942
Awarded to all servicemen of the Soviet Army, Navy, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and civilians who took part in the defense of Stalingrad. The defense of Stalingrad was from 12 July 1942 until 19 November 1942. The 6th German Army began the offensive towards Stalingrad in 1942. Heroic defenders fought for more than 140 days under increasing enemy numbers. On 19 November 1942, the Soviet Army launched a counter-offensive, surrounding and defeating the entire 6th German Army. Stalingrad was awarded the Title of "Hero City" on 1 May 1945, and is one of only four "Hero Cities" in the USSR (the others being Sevastopol, Leningrad, and Odessa.) It is made of brass. Approximately 760,000 were issued.
Defense of Moscow Established May 1, 1944
Awarded to all servicemen of the Soviet Army, Navy, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and citizens who took part in the defense of Moscow from 19 October 1941 until 25 January 1942. German forces began their offensive on Moscow on 30 September 1941. In December 1941, Soviet forces stopped any further enemy advances towards Moscow. After enforcement and weapons replenishment, the Soviets launched a counter-offensive and on 7-8 January, the enemy was driven far from Moscow. It is made of brass. Approximately 1,020,000 were issued.
Any member of the 416th may wear either the DOS or DOM medal, or both. This we will allow you to tailor to your impression. Remember first person is paramount. Thus if the scenario is Kursk 1943 you will not be allowed to wear the DOM medal.
Merit, Valour and Heroism Awards
The number of years you have been in the 416th and/or the number of events you have attended regulate these awards. Of the many medals issued that fall under this, only four will be allowed to be worn by members at events.
Medal for Combat Service Established October 17, 1938
Awarded to personnel of all ranks in the Army, Navy, Border Troops and Ministry of Internal Affairs troops for exceptional conduct in battle resulting in the successful execution of a battle task by the military division; for personal courage shown in defense of USSR borders; for excellence in military and political training; and for mastering new warfare techniques and technology. Citizens as well as foreigners were also eligible for this award. This award could be received more than once. Approximately 3,300,000 were issued.
Medal for Bravery Established October 17, 1938
Also known as the "Medal for Courage", "Medal for Valor" and "Medal for Gallantry". Considered the most highly respected Soviet military medal, it was awarded to personnel of all ranks in the Army, Navy, Border Troops and Ministry of Internal Affairs troops for personal bravery in a theater of operations; in defense of USSR borders; for performance of a soldier's duty in life-risking situations; and for activities against spies and subversive elements. Citizens as well as foreigners were also eligible for this award. This award could be received more than once. It is made of silver. Approximately 4,600,000 were issued.
Order of the Red Star Established April 6, 1930
Awarded to ground forces or naval personnel of all ranks and collectively to units for outstanding service in defense of the Soviet Union in both peace and war. Until the Irreproachable Service medals were established, Orders such as the Order of the Red Star were used as length of service awards.
Order of the Red Banner Established August 1, 1924
This was the first Soviet order. Awarded to military personnel of the Soviet Army and Navy who display exceptional courage, self-denial, and valor during combat. The Order of the Red Banner originally appeared in 1918, as the Order of the Red Banner of the Russian Federation. The award was offered to citizens of the Republic for exceptional military service. Other Soviet Republics followed Russia and issued their own version of the award. Azerbaijan was the first with the Order of the Red Banner of the Azerbaijan SSR. After the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1922, the country's all-union military decoration became the Order of the Red Banner. Earlier awards distributed by each of the Soviet Republics were allowed to be kept by their recipients. It was decided these awards had great historic significance as they were awarded during the Civil War, and served as reminders of heroic events. The Order of the Red Banner has been awarded to various Soviet naval units for exemplary service in wartime. The Baltic Fleet was cited for its role in the Revolution of 1917, and all four fleets (Northern, Baltic, Black Sea and Pacific) and the Caspian Naval Flotilla were cited for their service in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945). The Baltic Fleet is formally referred to as the Twice-Honored Red Banner Baltic Fleet.
Order of the Great Patriotic War 2nd Class Established May 20, 1942
Awarded to officers and enlisted men of the armed forces and security troops and to partisans, irrespective of rank, for lesser personal valor in action.
How to qualify for these awards as a member of the 416th…
Combat Service you will have had to attend 10 events.
Bravery you will have had to attend 20 events.
(Event attendance counts as present for one full day when the event is open to the public.)
Red Star requires 5 years of membership in the 416th.
Red Banner requires 10 years of membership in the 416th.
(Membership is counted from the day you attend your first 416th event.)
GPW 2nd Class is a special award. Currently it is allowed to the following members of the unit (Jon B, Dave Pasbrig and Greg P). It will also be awarded to members by vote of the unit for special occasions and circumstances.