Soviet Order of the Patriotic War - 1st Class

The first Soviet order to be established during World War 2, and the first to be given classes, this order was awarded for various deeds, including destroying a certain number of tank types, shooting down aircraft as a pilot and so on. The order was instituted in 1942, and was later issued to all surviving Soviet Soldiers of World War 2 in 1985.

These awards are of a Soviet star sitting over a crossed sabre and rifle with straight golden rays coming from the centre in the shape of a five pointed star. the centre is adorned with an enamel and gilt Hammer and Sickle, and bears the motto 'Patriotic war' in Russian.