Medal "For Courage" is one of the oldest insignia of the Soviet state.And the oldest of surviving until 1991.The establishment of this award took place in 1938 according to the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
According to the idea of the government medal "For Courage" was awarded to citizens who have shown personal courage during the performance of military duty - in the battle for their country and against the enemies of the socialist revolution.It should be noted that in the mid-thirties still considered high enough probability of counter-revolution.And in the last two years of the decade it became apparent threat from Nazi Germany.So the brave heroes of the country were really needed.Medal "For Courage" since its inception was the highest regalia in the awards of the USSR.And I must say, we value it was among the military, and indeed the people quite deservedly.Unlike many other awards that were given for their participation in certain events, awarded the medal "For Courage" could really boast of expression of personal courage and outstanding achievements in military affairs.
Ever since its establishment and until the German invasion award went to about 26 thousand Soviet soldiers.As a rule, it was featured in the Soviet-Finnish war and battles near the Khalkhin-Gol.The Great Patriotic War has itself become a time of heroes, defended the victory at the front and in the rear.Not surprisingly, the highest military award of the country have been awarded more than 4 million people.Of course, she was given to non-military considerably less.So, until 1977, the number of marked valor increased only to 4.5 million. However, the war was not long in coming, and with it, the brave fighters.During a decade of fighting in Afghanistan, the medal "For Courage" has regained a lot of worthy owners.However, this war has become one of the stones, vybivshih Soviet system.In 1991, the Soviet Union ceased to exist, and with it, his insignia.
new life in a new country
Regalia was forgotten for a couple of years, becoming a memory of times gone by valor.However, the will of the Russian government, it was decided its restoration, which was March 2, 1994 after the relevant presidential decree.The appearance of the coin had been left almost unchanged in a sign of respect of past victories.The only thing was, of course, removed the inscription "USSR" and slightly reduced its size in diameter.A more significant change has occurred in the conditions of awarding this distinction.If before the medal was given to a military person, but now its scope has expanded.It may be awarded as employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other people are equally important professions (the medal "For Courage" on fire during the arrest, and others.).Also today regalia can get all the citizens who showed personal courage in the defense of the Russian Federation and its state interests from external and internal enemies.
