Hero of Socialist Labour (USSR)

Hero of Socialist Labor (Russian Герой Социалистического Труда / Geroi Sozialistitscheskowo Truda; scientific transliteration Geroj Socialističeskogo Truda ) is a title of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on December 27, 1938 introduced by decree. Previously called the award since its introduction in 1928 " Hero of Labour ". Until its abolition in 1991 the title was awarded 19,000 times. Russian President Putin has introduced in March 2013, more than 20 years after the end of the Soviet Union, the award " Hero of Labour of the Russian Federation" by decree. The winners will receive a certificate in addition to a gold medal with a weight of 15.25 grams.

Award " Hero of Socialist Labor "

This track were persons who had rendered outstanding services through outstanding and innovative services to the economic development of the USSR. It was one of the highest awards in the country and was awarded with the Order of Lenin.

On May 22, 1940 an medal Hammer and Sickle was introduced in gold on a red ribbon, which was awarded with the Order of Lenin and a corresponding certificate. If the award conferred a second time to the same person, they received a second hammer and sickle medal. As a rule, a bronze bust was made, which was erected in the hometown of so honored. The distinction of having the No. 1 was awarded on December 20, 1939, the day before his 60th birthday, Joseph Stalin.

Only the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet could a person escape this item again. This happened, for example, the physicist and Nobel laureate Andrei Sakharov, who lost his three awards " Hero of Socialist Labor " in January 1980, after he criticized in the Western media twice the invasion of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan.

Until September 1, 1971 16,245 persons ( including 4497 women ) received this award. 105 people, including 25 women, were repeatedly honored. Until its abolition in 1991, the number of honorees rose to over 19,000.

Foreign Award

A medal with this name there was, among other things also in Albania and Romania.

Award Hero of Labour

In the GDR there was also an award named " Hero of Labour ".