The St. George Ribbon was created as part of an award set consisting of the Order of St. George, the St. George Cross or the St. George Medal and a ribbon. In addition, it was once part of some military insignia that were assigned to military units.

For the first time, the St. George Ribbon appeared together with the St. George Order in 1769.. Interestingly, the color scheme of the insignia we are considering has generated a lot of controversy. According to the RIA Novosti project "OUR VICTORY" (9may.ru), Count Litta wrote in 1833: " the immortal legislator, who founded this order, believed that its ribbon connects the color of gunpowder and the color of fire ...". According to the same site, Serge Andolenko, a Russian officer, did not agree with this explanation: " In fact, the colors of the order have been state colors since the time when the double-headed eagle on a golden background became the Russian national emblem ...". According to other public information, the black-orange scale should be understood as the color of smoke and fire. In any case, the symbol that appeared back in Tsarist Russia has firmly established itself in history and has now become the traditional color of the May 9th holiday.

Two historical anecdotes are associated with the introduction of the Order of St. George: the first case of self-rewarding occurred literally immediately after the creation of the insignia. Catherine II awarded herself the Order of the 1st degree, in fact, for having introduced the Order of St. George. Alexander II, on the other hand, went even further, and awarded himself with it on the occasion of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the legendary insignia. But if we return to the symbolism, then the Order of St. George was given for specific feats on the battlefield or for giving the right advice useful for military service.

In Soviet times, the St. George Ribbon did not sink into oblivion, but took pride of place among military insignia. By decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of November 8, 1943, she became part of the Order of Glory of three degrees. It was thanks to this event that it became possible to use it as a sign of respect for the soldiers of the Great Patriotic War. There is an exact list of feats for which the Order of Glory was given. Among others, one can find such items on the list as “In a moment of danger, he saved the banner of his unit from being captured by the enemy”, “Despising the danger, he was the first to break into the enemy’s bunker (bunker, trench or dugout), decisively destroyed his garrison”, “Neglecting personal security, captured the enemy banner in battle”, “Risking his life, under enemy fire, he assisted the wounded during a series of battles”, and so on. Of course, the heroes who received the Order of Glory were promoted.

"St. George's Ribbon" is one of the most interesting symbol creation projects in our country. Having appeared in the year of the sixtieth anniversary of the Victory (2005), it managed to become a tradition - an unprecedented event in the modern history of Russia. The action is recognized as the largest patriotic action in Russia. Well, this is a good result. The St. George Ribbon has a glorious history and deserves to have its colors symbolize the Great Victory.

Today, many people take part in the action, with pleasure attaching a ribbon to bags and clothes. Despite the fact that the organizers of the action and government officials approve of the appearance of a new patriotic symbol, many residents of Russia, on the contrary, protest against the action. Their protest also has a logical basis: The St. George Order is an important award given for heroic actions during military operations. The participants of the action, most likely, did not accomplish any feats, and therefore they cannot have the right to wear a ribbon. The moral aspect of this dilemma is extremely complex, and, it seems to me, each person decides for himself: either the ribbon is a tribute, the personification of our gratitude, or the misuse of part of the military award.

St. George ribbon - bicolor (two-color) of orange and black. It traces its history from the ribbon to the soldier's order of St. George the Victorious, established on November 26, 1769 by the Empress Catherine II. This ribbon, with minor changes, was included in the USSR award system as the "Guards Ribbon" - a sign of special distinction for a soldier. She is covered with a block of a very honorable "soldier's" Order of Glory.

The black color of the ribbon means smoke, and the orange color means flame. St. George ribbons occupy the most honorable place among the numerous collective awards (distinctions) of the units of the Russian army.

The Order of George was established in 1769. By status, it was given only for specific feats in wartime "to those who ... distinguished themselves by a special courageous act or gave wise and useful advice for our military service." It was an exceptional military award. The Order of St. George was divided into four classes. The first degree of the order had three signs: a cross star and a ribbon consisting of three black and two orange stripes, which was worn over the right shoulder under the uniform. The second degree of the order also had a star and a large cross, which was worn around the neck on a narrower ribbon. The third degree is a small cross on the neck, the fourth is a small cross in the buttonhole.

The black and orange colors of the St. George Ribbon have become a symbol of military prowess and glory in Russia. There are different opinions about the symbolism of the St. George ribbon. For example, Count Litta wrote in 1833: "The immortal legislator, who established this order, believed that its ribbon connects the color of gunpowder and the color of fire ...". However Serge Andolenko, a Russian officer who later became a general of the French army and compiled the most complete collection of drawings and descriptions of regimental badges of the Russian army, does not agree with this explanation: "In reality, the colors of the order have been state colors since the time when the double-headed eagle on a golden background became the Russian national emblem ... This is how the Russian coat of arms was described under Catherine II: "The eagle is black, on the heads is a crown, and at the top in the middle is a large Imperial crown - gold, in the middle of the same eagle is George, on a white horse, defeating a serpent, an epancha and a spear are yellow, the crown is yellow the black serpent." Thus, the Russian military order, both in its name and in its colors, had deep roots in Russian history."
The St. George's ribbon was also assigned to some insignia awarded to military units - St. George's silver trumpets, banners, standards, etc. many military awards were worn on the St. George ribbon, or it was part of the ribbon.

In 1806, award St. George banners were introduced in the Russian army. The St. George's Cross was placed at the top of the banner, and a black-orange St. George ribbon with banner tassels 1 inch wide (4.44 cm) was tied under the top. In 1855, during the Crimean War, lanyards of St. George's colors appeared on premium officer's weapons. Golden weapons as a kind of award were no less honorable for a Russian officer than the Order of George.

After the end of the Russian-Turkish war (1877 - 1878), the emperor Alexander II ordered the commanders-in-chief of the Danube and Caucasian armies to prepare presentations for rewarding the most distinguished units and subunits. Information from the commanders about the exploits performed by their units was collected and submitted to the Cavalier Duma of the Order of St. George. The report of the Duma, in particular, stated that the most brilliant feats in the war were the Nizhny Novgorod and Seversky Dragoon Regiments, which already have all the established awards: St. George's standards, St. George's pipes, double buttonholes "for military distinction" on the uniforms of headquarters and chief officers , St. George buttonholes on the uniforms of the lower ranks, insignia on headdresses. By personal decree on April 11, 1878, a new insignia was established, the description of which was announced by order of the Military Department of October 31 of the same year. The decree, in particular, stated: “Sovereign Emperor, bearing in mind that some regiments already have all the insignia established as a reward for military exploits, the Highest deigned to establish a new highest distinction: St. granted, in accordance with the description and drawing attached to this. These ribbons, being part of the banners and standards, are in no case removed from them. "

Until the end of the existence of the Russian imperial army, this award with wide St. George ribbons remained the only one. During the Great Patriotic War, continuing the military traditions of the Russian army, on November 8, 1943, the Order of Glory of three degrees was established. His statute, as well as the yellow and black colors of the ribbon, were reminiscent of the St. George Cross. Then the St. George ribbon, confirming the traditional colors of Russian military prowess, adorned many soldier and modern Russian award medals and badges.

On March 2, 1992, by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the RSFSR "On state awards of the Russian Federation", a decision was made to restore the Russian military order of St. George and the insignia "St. George's Cross". The Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of March 2, 1994 states: "The military Order of St. George and the Insignia -" St. George's Cross "are preserved in the system of state awards.

St. George ribbon today

In our time, an interesting tradition has appeared associated with this ancient symbol. Young people, on the eve of the Victory Day holiday, tie a "St. George" on their clothes as a sign of respect, memory and solidarity with the heroic Russian soldiers who defended the freedom of our country in the distant 40s.

The action was invented for the 60th anniversary of the Victory Natalia Loseva- employee of the news agency "RIA Novosti". The organizers of the action are "RIA Novosti" and ROOSPM "Student Community". Financing for the purchase of ribbons is provided by regional and local authorities. The action is supported by medium and large businesses, various media.

The action begins with the distribution by volunteers among the population of small sections of ribbons, identical in shape and color to the St. George ribbon. According to the terms of the promotion, the ribbon must be attached to the lapel of clothing, tied to a hand, bag or car antenna. The purpose of this event is to "create a symbol of the holiday", "expression of our respect for the veterans, tribute to the memory of those who fell on the battlefield, gratitude to the people who gave everything for the front."

The scale of the action is quite large, both territorial and financial and material. In 2005, 800,000 ribbons were distributed; 1.2 million ribbons were distributed in 2006; In 2007, about 10 million tapes were distributed worldwide.

However, not all residents of Russia support the action. In 2008, the site za-lentu.ru was created, which advocates for the St. George Ribbon and considers the action extremely disrespectful towards the symbol of Victory. First of all, opponents of the action are outraged by the use of the tape for commercial purposes, disrespectful tying it to clothes, bags and even pets. The protesters are considered by some media representatives as fascists or people who do not respect and do not appreciate the veterans of the Great Patriotic War.

St. George's Ribbon is a symbol of the Second World War. The black and orange ribbon has become the main attribute of the modern Victory Day. But as statistics show, unfortunately, not all citizens of the Russian Federation know its history, what it means, and how to wear it.

St. George's ribbon: what does it mean, its colors, history

St. George's Ribbon, a bicolor of orange and black, appeared simultaneously with the soldier's order of St. George the Victorious, which was established on November 26, 1769 by Empress Catherine II. This award was issued only for feats in battle in the form of encouraging loyalty and courage for the good of the Russian Empire. Together with her, the recipient received a considerable life allowance.

There are several versions of color decoding. According to the first - black symbolizes smoke or gunpowder, and orange - fire. According to another version, the colors were taken from the old coat of arms of Russia. Also, historians say that black and orange colors were imperial and state, it is a symbol of a black double-headed eagle and a yellow field.

The first to receive the Order of St. George were the participants in the naval battle in the Chesme Bay. Medals on the St. George ribbon were first awarded in August 1787, when Suvorov's army defeated the Turks.

The tape has changed a little and began to be referred to as the "Guards tape" during the Soviet era.

During the Great Patriotic War, it was covered with a block of a very honorable "soldier's" Order of Glory.

How to wear the George Ribbon?

For 13 years in a row, on the eve of May 9, the St. George Ribbon campaign starts, during which volunteers distribute ribbons and suggest how to wear them correctly.

Nowadays, there is a tradition to decorate clothes with the St. George ribbon as a sign of respect, memory and solidarity with Russian soldiers. However, there are no official rules for wearing it today. It is important to remember that this is not a fashion accessory, but a sign of respect for the fallen soldiers. Therefore, the St. George ribbon must be treated with care and respect.

It is recommended to wear the St. George ribbon on the left near the heart - as a sign that the feat of the ancestors will forever remain in it. You can fasten it in the form of different shapes with a pin. Do not use the tape as a decoration on the head, below the waist, on a bag, on a car body (including on a car antenna). It would be obscene to use it as shoelaces or corset lacing. If the St. George's ribbon has deteriorated, it is best to remove it.

There are several ways to tie a St. George's ribbon so that it looks beautiful and meets the bounds of decency. To do this, the main thing is to turn on the fantasy, or use the Internet, in the vastness of which you can find step-by-step instructions.

The standard and easiest way is a loop. To do this, the ribbon is folded crosswise and attached with a pin.

Lightning or zigzag. The tape will need to be folded in the form of the English letter "N".

A simple bow is most often tied with a ribbon in kindergartens and schools.

A man with a St. George ribbon tied in a tie will look elegant. It will need to be wrapped around the neck so that the ends are of different lengths. After they need to cross and thread the right around the left to make a loop. Next, you need to pull the end out of the loop and thread it into the eye.

St. George's ribbon - a ribbon with three black and two orange stripes, is a symbol of heroism, military prowess and glory of the defenders of Russia. This is one of the most popular symbols in modern Russia.

St. George ribbon - a symbol of awards for heroism

"George's Ribbon" is a symbol, not a reward. The first medals on the St. George's ribbon were awarded in August 1787. Only those who showed the greatest personal courage and heroism were awarded medals on the St. George's ribbon. Black and orange ribbons were laid in the design of military awards for personal bravery and heroism.

St. George's Ribbon - a symbol of Victory Day

St. George's Ribbon appearance and the combination of colors corresponds to the ribbon with which the order block for the medal "For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945" is covered. This medal has become the most massive medal, the block of which is covered with a silk moire ribbon of longitudinal alternating stripes - three black and two orange. The medal was awarded to approximately 14,933,000 people, which was approximately 10% of the entire population of the USSR. Therefore, it is not surprising that the black and orange ribbon in the minds of Soviet citizens has become a real a symbol of victory in the war over Nazi Germany.

St. George's ribbon - a symbol of anti-fascism

The St. George ribbon is a symbol of victory over fascism, which is why neo-fascists hate it so much. This is a symbol of the unbroken spirit of the people who fought and defeated Nazism in the Great Patriotic War.

The traditional interpretation of the colors of the St. George Ribbon states that black means smoke, orange means flame and are considered a sign of a soldier’s personal prowess on the battlefield.

The stripes on the ribbon symbolize the death and resurrection of St. George: according to legend, he went through death three times and was resurrected twice (three black stripes and two orange ones).

St. George's Ribbon - a two-color ribbon for the Order of St. George, St. George's Cross, St. George's Medal. Also, St. George ribbons on a peakless cap were worn by the sailors of the guards crew of the ship, awarded the St. George flag.

The history of the emergence of the St. George's ribbon

In 1769, Empress Catherine the 2nd established an award for officers of the Russian Army, awarded for personal bravery shown on the battlefields - Order of Saint George.

The establishment of the Order of George was solemnly celebrated in St. Petersburg on November 26, 1769. It was supposed to be worn on a "silk ribbon with three black and two yellow stripes", subsequently the name St. George's Ribbon was assigned to it. According to the statute, the Order of St. George was intended to reward military ranks "for courage, zeal and zeal for military service and for encouragement in the art of war" and went in importance immediately after the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called.

“neither a high family, nor previous merits, nor wounds received in battles are accepted in respect when honoring the Order of St. George for military exploits; it is awarded only to the one who not only fulfilled his duty in everything by oath, honor and duty, but on top of this marked himself for the benefit and glory of Russian weapons with a special distinction.

Four degrees of the Order of George

Badge of the Order of St. George 1st degree. 1850s

Cross, star and ribbon.

cross golden, covered on both sides with white enamel, with a gold border around the edges. In the central circle, filled with red enamel, there is an image of St. George on a white horse slaying a dragon with a spear. On the reverse side, in a white circle, the monogram of St. George (in interlaced letters SG).
Star of the Order- golden quadrangular (diamond-shaped), formed by 32 golden (solar) rays emanating from the center. In the middle of it, on a gold background, there is a similar monogram of St. George, and on a black hoop around it, the motto of the Military Order "For Service and Courage" is inscribed in gold letters. On the reverse side (reverse): a monogram of two letters "C" and "G" (Saint George) is applied in such a way that, when intertwined, it makes up the third letter - "P" (Victorious).
Ribbon. The cross was worn on a moire ribbon 10-11 cm wide with three black and two orange stripes, which was put on and worn over the right shoulder.

Badge of the Order of St. George 2nd class. 1850s

Cross, star and narrow sash.

Golden cross and golden star, similar to the first degree. The cross was worn around the neck on a narrower sash.

Badge of the Order of St. George 3rd class. 1850s

A golden cross, similar to the senior degrees, but smaller. Worn around the neck on a sash.

Order of George 4th class

Badge of the Order of St. George 4th degree. 1850s

Cross and narrow sash.

The gold cross is somewhat smaller than that of the badge of the third degree. Worn in a buttonhole or on the left side of the chest on a narrow sash.

By decree of 1833 a warrior who accomplished several feats received the right to ribbon bow. The wearing of the cross was prescribed on a ribbon, the colors of which corresponded to the colors of the Order of St. George.

It was from this period that the popularity of the St. George Ribbon became nationwide, since ordinary Russian people saw such awards much more often than the golden orders of the officers of the Russian Army. This sign was later called the soldier's St. George's cross or "soldier's Egory" (George), as he was called by the people. In total, during the reign of Emperor Alexander I, 46,527 people were awarded the soldier's St. George's Badge of Distinction.

St. George honors of priests

1790. It was the second St. George's award, which appeared after the Order of St. George. Its establishment is associated with the heroic assault on the Turkish fortress of Izmail in 1790. Then, in the midst of the battle, all the officers of the Polotsk infantry regiment died, the attack was on the verge of failure. And then at the head of the column appeared the regimental priest Father Trofim (Kutsinsky), who, with a cross in his hand, led the assault. Encouraged by the sight of their beloved shepherd, the soldiers rushed to the attack. After the capture of Izmail, A.V. Suvorov informed P.A. Potemkin: “Today we will have a thanksgiving service. It will be sung by the Polotsk priest, who was with a cross in front of this brave regiment. Father Trofim became the first Knight of the Golden Pectoral Cross on the St. George Ribbon. The award was not only honorary, but also very rare - until 1903, only 194 army clergy were awarded it.

Collective St. George Awards

In 1805 the first collective St. George's awards appeared - St. George's banners (standards) and St. George's pipes.

St. George Banner of the Izhevsk Rifle Division. 1918

Double-sided panel measuring 115.5 x 105 cm.

The sign of the Order of St. George was installed in the spear of the flagpole, narrow St. George ribbons with lanyards were hung to the pommel, and an inscription was made on the cloth, for which such a distinction was received. The Chernigov Dragoon Regiment, two Don Cossack regiments, the Kyiv Grenadier and Pavlograd Hussar regiments were the first to receive such a banner. They were awarded "For exploits at Shengraben on November 4, 1805 in a battle with an enemy consisting of 30 thousand."

St. George's pipes

Georgievsky pipe of the 1st, 3rd and 4th battalions of the Tenginsk regiment. 1879

Silver St. George Trumpet

In 1805 a new type of award trumpets appears - silver St. George's trumpets, which differed from simple silver ones by the overlay image of the St. George's cross on the bell, which made them a higher award. Inscriptions and silver tassels on St. George's ribbons were on both types of insignia (Differences in form between award pipes given to cavalry and infantry: for the first - pipes are straight, long, for infantry - figured, curved several times.)

In 1807 Emperor Alexander 1 established a special award for the lower ranks of the Russian Army for personal courage in battle, which was called the Insignia of the Military Order.

The Soldier's St. George's Cross is considered the most famous monument to the bravery of warriors.

Silver badge and bow with the St. George ribbon.

February 13, 1807 The Supreme Manifesto was issued, establishing the Badge of Distinction of the Military Order (ZOVO), which would later become known as the St. George Cross. The Manifesto stipulated the appearance of the award - silver badge on St. George's ribbon, with the image of George the Victorious in the center. Basis for the award acquired in battle by those who have shown special courage. This sign is still evidence of unparalleled courage.

Medal "For Bravery"

The merit of the medal "For Bravery" was lower than the Insignia of the Military Order, but higher than all other medals.

Medal "For Bravery"

Established in 1807 The medal "For Bravery", was intended to reward soldiers of irregular troops and paramilitary formations (Cossack, militia, horse-irregular, police, police, security, sentry), who do not have officer and class ranks, for differences in combat operations, as well as for feats manifested in fights with violators of public order, both in wartime and in peacetime. From 1850 to 1913, it was included in the list of awards intended for the indigenous inhabitants of the Caucasus, Transcaucasia and other Asian territories of the Russian Empire, who were not in regular troops and did not have officer and class ranks, and were awarded for distinction in battles against the enemy on the side of the Russian army. "For Bravery" also worn on a black and orange (St. George's) ribbon, in 1913 was added to the Order of St. George and, along with the St. George Cross, became the most massive soldier's medal awarded for personal bravery.

Golden weapon "for bravery"

In 1855, during the Crimean War, lanyards of St. George's colors appeared on premium officer weapons. Golden weapons as a kind of award were no less honorable for a Russian officer than the Order of George. Since 1855, officers who received the award gold weapon "For Bravery" were ordered to wear lanyards from the St. George ribbon for a more visible distinction.

Medal of the Crimean War

Medal "For the Defense of Sevastopol" 1855

Medal "For the Defense of Sevastopol"

In the same 1855 The medal "For the Defense of Sevastopol" was established.
The defense of Sevastopol in 1854-1855 became the main event of the Crimean War, which went down in history as the bloodiest war of the 19th century. For the first time in the history of the Russian Empire, a medal was awarded not for a heroic victory, but for the defense of a Russian city. This medal was silver, intended for both military officials and civilians who participated in the defense of Sevastopol. For generals, officers, soldiers and sailors of the Sevastopol garrison, who served there from September 1854 to August 1855, the medal was awarded on the St. George ribbon.

St. George award buttonholes

St. George award buttonholes of the Votkinsk artillery division

Georgievsky buttonholes

In 1864 St. George buttonholes for the lower ranks were installed. In Transbaikalia, the ranks of the Votkinsk artillery battalion, in commemoration of their feat, were granted St. George buttonholes, and the ranks of the division had the St. George cord on shoulder straps as a distinction. The artillerymen had buttonholes from the St. George ribbon on their overcoats.

Since January 20, 1871 in the Russian imperial army, the St. George's lanyard was defined as a belt folded in the form of a loop with a brush for fixing (tying) covers on banners and standards for distinction in St. George's regalia.

St. George ribbons for military sailors

Peakless cap of the Guards crew of the ship "Derzhava". 1887

St. George's ribbons on peakless caps

In 1878 St. George's ribbons for military sailors were installed (which have survived to this day on peakless caps of sailors of the guards units). St. George ribbons on a peakless cap were worn by sailors of the Guards crew of the Russian Imperial Guard and sailors of ships awarded the St. George flag.

For service at the border

Medal with the inscription "For Bravery" on the St. George's Ribbon.

Medal "For Bravery" for the border guard

In 1878 Emperor Alexander II, in order to reward the lower ranks of the border guards and the units of the army and navy contributing to it for military distinctions in the performance of duties of the border and customs services, established a separate award - a medal with the inscription "For Courage". On the front side of the medal, the profile of the reigning emperor was depicted, on the back - the inscription "For Bravery", the degree of the medal and its number.

Alexander II ordered“to give the lower ranks instead of the Badges of the Military Order, silver medals for courage on the St. George Ribbon, which should be taken as a rule in the future”

This award was equated with the Badge of the Military Order and was higher than all other medals, including Anninsky. Since 1906, the medal with the inscription "For Bravery", established in 1878 for the border guards, was also awarded to the lower ranks of the army, navy, a separate corps of gendarmes, since 1910 - to the police, "for feats of courage" in the fight against armed violators of the order.

In memory of the 50th anniversary of the defense of Sevastopol

Medal "In memory of the 50th anniversary of the defense of Sevastopol" 1905

Medal "In memory of the 50th anniversary of the defense of Sevastopol"

In 1905 The medal "In memory of the 50th anniversary of the defense of Sevastopol" was established, which was awarded to all surviving participants in the events. The medal had an eye for fastening to a block or ribbon. The medal should be worn on the chest. Ribbon of the silver version of the medal - Georgievskaya. Diameter 28 mm. On the front side of the medal there is an equilateral cross, in the center of which is written the number of days of the defense of Sevastopol - "349" in an oak wreath. At the top, the cross is overshadowed by the radiance of the All-seeing eye of the Lord. At the bottom of the date: "1855-1905". On the reverse side of the medal, the inscription in Church Slavonic, a quote from the Psalter, means literally “Our fathers trusted in You; trusted, and you delivered them"

St. George ribbons in their original form were present in the Russian Imperial Army until the very end of its existence.

During the existence of the black and orange ribbon of St. George, from the moment of its appearance in 1769 until 1917, it was an indispensable attribute of various awards of the Russian Empire awarded for military courage. Gold officer's crosses, lanyards of gold weapons, insignia, medals, as well as collective ones - silver trumpets, banners, standards.

George Medals of the Provisional Government

Medal "For Bravery"

Medal of the Provisional Government "For Courage"

St. George medal "For bravery"

April 24, 1917 the medal "For Bravery" was introduced by order of the Military and Naval Departments. Its statute, for the most part, was retained as it was. In the period from the February to the October Revolution, instead of the profile of the emperor, on the medals "For Courage" there was an image of St. George the Victorious. This medal "For Bravery" in peacetime, as before, was the main award for the lower military ranks of the army and navy and was issued for the manifestation of personal courage and valor in a combat situation. Quite a lot of silver medals "For Bravery", especially the 4th degree, have been preserved. Most of them are St. George medals from the First World War.

Awards of the RSFSR and the White Army

After the Bolsheviks abolished the old award system, the St. George ribbon continued to be used in the award systems of the White armies. St. George's colors (St. George's bows, chevrons, ribbons on headdresses and banners) were used in various white formations, especially by participants in the Yaroslavl uprising.

Insignia of the Military Order "For the Great Siberian Campaign"

Medal "For the Great Siberian Campaign"

The insignia of the Military Order "For the Great Siberian Campaign" is a military award during the Civil War.
Established February 11, 1920 by order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Front of the General Staff, Major General S. N. Voitsekhovsky.

The order for the establishment of the insignia stated: In retribution for the exceptional dangers and labors suffered by the troops of the Eastern Front in an unprecedented campaign from the banks of the Irtysh beyond Lake Baikal, I approve the Insignia of the Military Order "For the Great Siberian Campaign". The insignia of the Military Order complains: 1st degree on the St. George ribbon without a bow, 2nd degree on the Vladimir ribbon without a bow.

The insignia had two degrees. The insignia of the first degree was awarded to all those who were in the ranks and in the operational headquarters of the troops and was worn on the St. George ribbon. The insignia of the second degree was awarded to everyone else, including civilians, and was worn on the Vladimir ribbon.

After the revolution, a course was taken to destroy everything lordly - the award "Badge of the Order of St. George" did not receive official recognition. Nevertheless, they were worn on the chest by elderly fighters who fought against the Nazis, and the owners of St. George were treated with no less respect than the Star of the Hero. Moreover, at least 6 full cavaliers of the award of tsarist Russia and at the same time heroes of the Soviet Union are known.

Nedorubov Konstantin Iosifovich
full St. George Cavalier and Hero of the Soviet Union

Svirin Ivan Mikhailovich
full St. George Cavalier and Knight of the Order of Lenin

Gruslanov Vladimir Nikolaevich
captain, full Georgievsky Cavalier

Serga Andrey Georgievich
St. George Cavalier in 1917 and 1951

Budyonny Semyon Mikhailovich
Marshal of the Soviet Union

Book Vasily Ivanovich
Soviet general

The nationality and respect for the sign is also confirmed by the fact that in 1992 the award received a second birth. The modern "George", just like centuries ago, emphasizes the recognition and gratitude of the living for courage and personal heroism.

Guards Ribbon

After the devastating defeats of the initial period of the Great Patriotic War, the leadership of the USSR desperately needed symbols that could unite the people and raise morale at the front. The Red Army had very few military awards and insignia of military prowess. This is where the St. George ribbon came in handy. They did not completely repeat the design and name in the USSR. The Soviet tape was called "Guards", and its appearance was somewhat changed. Paradoxically, the Bolsheviks, hating everything tsarist, overthrew the term "Georgievsky", returned in 1941 another tsarist term "Guards", but called it their own, Soviet. So the St. George Ribbon, with minor changes, entered the Soviet award system under the name "Guards Ribbon".

Orders and medals of the Great Patriotic War

Order of Glory I, II and III degree.

Order of Glory 1943

November 8, 1943 The Order of Glory was established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Council. The Order of Glory is awarded to privates and sergeants of the Red Army, and in aviation to persons with the rank of junior lieutenant, who showed glorious feats of courage, courage and fearlessness in battles for the Soviet Motherland. The badge is connected with an eyelet and a ring to a pentagonal block covered with a silk moiré ribbon 24 mm wide. There are five longitudinal stripes of equal width on the ribbon: three black and two orange. Along the edges of the tape has one narrow orange strip 1 mm wide. The Order of Glory was also awarded to servicemen of the allied armies. So, on the website of the American collector Paul Schmitt, information was found that the Order of Glory III degree was awarded to a US Navy soldier Cecil R. Haycraft. Probably, the American Knight of Glory could be part of one of the sea convoys.

By 1945, the Order of Glory was awarded:

1. Order of Glory I degree - about 1500 people
2. Order of Glory II - about 17,000 people
3. Order of Glory III degree - about 200,000 people

As of 1989, the Order of Glory was awarded to:

1. Order of Glory I degree - 2620 people
2. Order of Glory II degree - 46473 people
3. Order of Glory III degree - 997815 people

Guards ribbon on the Naval ensign

June 19, 1942 By order of the People's Commissar of the Navy of the USSR No. 142 for the ships of the Navy, the crews of which were awarded the Guards rank, the Guards Naval Flag was installed. On November 16, 1950, by a decree of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, changes were made to the description of the previous flag, and the outlines of the star and hammer and sickle of the Naval flag were also changed. On April 21, 1964, by a decree of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, this flag was re-established. In this form, the flag existed until July 26, 1992, when it was replaced by the Guards Naval Ensign of Russia.
Guards Naval flag of the USSR - represents the Naval flag of the USSR with the Guards ribbon located on it, tied with a bow, with fluttering ends. The guards ribbon is located above the blue stripe, symmetrically with respect to the middle vertical line of the flag. The length of the guards ribbon in a straight line is 11/12, and the width is 1/20 of the width of the flag.

Ribbon of guard ships on peakless caps

A special ribbon for the peakless caps of Soviet sailors is the ribbon of guards ships, approved together with the guards badge in 1943. The ribbon of the guard ships has the colors of the ribbon of the Order of Glory of alternating stripes of orange and black, which corresponds to the colors of the St. George ribbon (there is an indication of 1769, which says that the colors are given: orange - the color of the flame and black - the color of gunpowder smoke).
The guards ribbon is laid along the band of the Red Navy caps (peakless caps) of the rank and file of the guards ships and units and is fixed at the back seam, with the ends of the ribbon remaining free. On the guards ribbons, in the place at the front of the cap, the name of the ship, unit or formation is superimposed in gold embossing, and on the free ends - anchors.

For the victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945.

Medal "For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945"

Decree of the Presidium of the USSR Armed Forces No. May 9, 1945 The Medal "For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945" was established. It could be received by all military personnel who took part in the war at the front, as well as those who did not take part in hostilities, but served for a certain time in the system of the People's Commissariat of Defense; workers of the rear evacuation hospitals of the Red Army and the Navy; workers, employees and collective farmers who took part in the fight against the invaders as part of partisan detachments behind enemy lines.
With the help of an eyelet and a ring, the medal is connected to a pentagonal block covered with a silk moiré ribbon 24 mm wide. There are five longitudinal stripes of equal width on the ribbon - three black and two orange. The edges of the ribbon are bordered with narrow orange stripes.
Medal "For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945" became the most massive medal. Later, more awards were made only with commemorative medals. As of January 1, 1995, the medal "For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945." approximately 14,933,000 people were awarded, which was approximately 10% of the entire population of the USSR. Therefore, it is not surprising that the black and orange ribbon in the minds of Soviet citizens became a real symbol of victory in the war over Nazi Germany. In addition, after the end of the Second World War, the Guards Ribbon was actively used in the most diverse visual propaganda related to the theme of the war.

Medal in honor of the capture of Berlin

Medal "For the Capture of Berlin"
Medal "For the Capture of Berlin"

Medal "For the Capture of Berlin"

Decree of the Presidium of the USSR Armed Forces No. June 9, 1945, in honor of the capture of Berlin during the Great Patriotic War, the medal "For the capture of Berlin" was established. It was awarded to "servicemen of the Soviet Army, Navy and NKVD troops - direct participants in the heroic assault and capture of Berlin in the period April 22 - May 2, 1945, as well as organizers and leaders of military operations during the capture of this city."
In the upper part of the medal there is an eyelet, by which the medal is connected with a metal pentagonal block with a pin by means of a ring. The shoe is covered with red silk moiré ribbon 24 mm wide. In the middle of the ribbon are five lobal stripes - three black and two orange.
In total, over 1,100,000 awards were made with the medal "For the Capture of Berlin".

St. George's Ribbon - a symbol of Victory Day

In the Soviet Union, as today, posters and greeting cards were printed with the image of a black and orange ribbon as a symbol of victory.

1945

1945

1945

1948

1967

1970
"May 9"

1972

1974
"May 9 - Victory Day"

1975

1975

1976
"Glory to the Soviet Armed Forces"

1979

Anniversary awards with the image of a black and orange ribbon as a symbol of victory

1970

1995 2005
60 years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War

2010

Restoration of the Order of St. George

The statute of the restored Order of St. George was approved by decree of the President of Russia dated August 8, 2000 No. 1463, but no awards were made until 2008.

Order of Saint George

The restored Order of St. George has the same external features as in tsarist times. The Order of St. George is the highest military award of the Russian Federation. The Order of St. George is awarded to military personnel from among senior and senior officers for conducting combat operations to defend the Fatherland during an attack by an external enemy, culminating in the complete defeat of the enemy, which have become a model of military art, whose exploits serve as an example of valor and courage for all generations of defenders of the Fatherland and who were awarded state awards of the Russian Federation for the distinctions shown in combat operations.

St. George Ribbon or Guards Ribbon

Since 1769, whatever the name of the two-tone black and orange ribbon, she has always been a symbol of soldier's prowess and glory.

Color of St. George and Guards Ribbon

Looking at the St. George ribbons of awards from different times, one notices a difference in shades of orange (even for the same awards).

For hundreds of years, some old ribbons have faded, others have darkened from dirt and blood in battles, and the technology in those days probably did not allow the production of ribbons of the same orange color in saturation. Over time, the appearance of the St. George ribbon could change somewhat, the shades of the ribbon could change, but it always remained a ribbon of longitudinal alternating stripes - three black and two orange.

The St. George Ribbon in appearance and color combination corresponds to the Guards Ribbon, and no matter how the enemies of Russia and neo-fascists try to change the colors of the stripes (comparing shades of orange) and the width of the stripes (measuring hundredths of a millimeter under a magnifying glass), she always combined stripes of black (the color of gunpowder) and two orange (the color of fire). So all the arguments about the “different color schemes” of the St. George and Guards ribbons are nothing more than lies, manipulations and fantasies.

Vypushka on the St. George and Guards Ribbon

St. George's ribbon does not have a strict description. In the statute of the 1913 award, it was said only that the ribbon consists of 3 black and 2 orange stripes. This is used by the opponents of the "St. George's Ribbon", in disputes about comparing the St. George's and Guards' Ribbons, because if there is no exact description of the St. George's Ribbon, then you can say that the St. George's Ribbon does not have a piping (a thin orange strip along the edges of the ribbon), but the Guards has it. Let's not be unfounded, let's look at the paintings of famous holders of the Order of St. George, and consider what St. George ribbons they wore on their chests.

Derzhavin Gavriil Romanovich Potemkin Grigory Alexandrovich

The paintings clearly show a narrow strip (Edge) along the edges of the St. George Ribbon. Only those who do not want to, of course, will not notice the orange stripes along the edges of the tape, but they are there. You should also pay attention to the colors of the St. George ribbons, they are all orange, but in different shades, which again confirms that the St. George ribbon does not have a strict description, there was no precisely established color for the St. George ribbon. The only difference between the St. George ribbon is that it should consist of 3 black and 2 orange stripes.

"St. George Ribbon" - a public action for the distribution of symbolic ribbons

The first action "St. George Ribbon" was held in 2005 in the year of the 60th anniversary of the Victory. The initiators of the action chose as a symbol, which was supposed to symbolize the unification of several generations, St. George ribbon. Since then, the action under the motto “I remember! I'm proud!" takes place annually. The St. George Ribbon action is not commercial or political.

Who deserved to wear the St. George Ribbon?

The action "George's Ribbon" is traditionally held every year on the eve of the "Victory Day". "St. George's Ribbon" has never been an award, it is distributed symbolically, that is, it cannot be earned. George Ribbon - This symbol awards and memory. The St. George Ribbon is not allowed to be used as a reward, nor can it be sold. Symbolic "George Ribbons" are distributed free of charge to everyone who wants to express their respect for the veterans, gratitude to the people who gave everything for the front, and honor the memory of those who fell on the battlefield. To all those thanks to whom we defeated fascism in 1945.

"St. George's Ribbon" - a symbol, not a reward

"George's Ribbon" is not a heraldic symbol. This is a symbolic ribbon, a replica of the traditional bicolor St. George ribbon. It is not allowed to use original award St. George or Guards ribbons in the promotion. To wear or not a St. George ribbon - everyone decides for himself. Now it is a symbol of Victory, not an insignia.

St. George's ribbon is one of the most recognizable symbols

The St. George Ribbon, which unites millions of people in many countries of the world, has become one of the most successful and recognizable symbols in just a few years. Almost 90 countries of the world took part in the St. George Ribbon campaign in 2017, more than 10 million ribbons were distributed around the world. The St. George ribbon has become an anti-fascist symbol in many countries of the world.

• St. George ribbon - a symbol of heroism, military prowess and glory of the defenders of Russia
• St. George's ribbon - a symbol of awards for heroism
• St. George's Ribbon - a symbol of Victory Day
• St. George's Ribbon - a symbol of anti-fascism

It is a combination of black and orange. Such colors symbolize dark smoke and bright flames. Its history dates back to the autumn of 1769. Then Empress Catherine II introduced the soldier's order of St. George the Victorious. The two-color ribbon became its component.
The order was awarded to military personnel who showed courage in battles for their homeland. The St. George Order consists of 4 degrees. The ribbon, which has three black and two orange stripes, was part of the 1st degree of this award. She was dressed under a uniform, throwing over her right shoulder. The striped ribbon that was named "Georgievskaya" not only used this way. Later, its use was expanded and began to be included in the decoration of clothing elements: standards, buttonholes.

St. George's Ribbon in Soviet times

In the days of the USSR, the St. George ribbon was not forgotten. She entered the award system with small transformations and acquired the name "Guards Ribbon". On November 8, 1943, the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR was issued. It said that the St. George Ribbon became part of the Order of Glory. She covered the block of this honorary badge. This event was a great chance to use it as a sign of respect for all soldiers.

The Order of Glory was awarded to heroes who performed the feats indicated in the list. Among the wide list, one could find items stating that a feat can be considered the capture of the enemy’s banner, helping the wounded under enemy bullets over several battles, saving the banner of one’s unit, being the first to penetrate the enemy’s shelter and eliminate his garrison. Heroes who received this badge of honor were immediately promoted.

In 1992, she got a new start. Then the ribbon itself, the Order of St. George, were approved as signs of military courage and courage.

St. George ribbon today

The project started in 2005. Then they celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of the Victory. Every year it only gained momentum and already managed to become a good tradition. The action was recognized as one of the largest in its scope in Russia.

People participating in the program attach St. George ribbon to clothes, handbags, car mirrors. This is a kind of embodiment of gratitude, a tribute to those who died in battle. The great history of the St. George Ribbon deserves to have its colors signify Victory.