Hero of the Soviet Union facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hero of the Soviet Union
Gold star medal of the Hero of the Soviet Union
Awarded by the  Soviet Union
Type	Honorary title
Eligibility	Soviet and foreign citizens
Awarded for	Heroic feats in service to the Soviet state and society
Status	No longer awarded
Statistics
Established	16 April 1934
First awarded	20 April 1934
Last awarded	24 December 1991
Total awarded	12,777
Precedence
Next (lower)	Order of Lenin
Related	Hero of the Russian Federation

The Hero of the Soviet Union was a very special award in the Soviet Union. It was given to people who showed amazing bravery and did heroic things for their country. This award was like the highest honor someone could get. It was often given to soldiers who performed incredibly brave acts, especially during World War II.

This important title was created on April 16, 1934. Over its history, more than 12,770 people received this award. Some brave individuals even earned it more than once! After World War II, other countries that were allies of the Soviet Union also created similar awards to honor their own heroes.

What Was the Hero of the Soviet Union Award?

The Hero of the Soviet Union was not just a medal; it was a special title. People who received it were recognized for their outstanding courage. They often performed acts that helped the Soviet state or society in a big way.

How the Award Looked

When someone was named a Hero of the Soviet Union, they also received a special medal. This medal was called the "Gold Star" medal. It was a small, five-pointed gold star, and it was worn proudly on the chest.

Who Could Receive This Honor?

Both Soviet citizens and people from other countries could be given this award. It was mainly given to military personnel, like soldiers and pilots. However, it could also be given to civilians who showed extraordinary heroism.

History of the Hero of the Soviet Union Title

The idea for this award came about in the early 1930s. The Soviet government wanted a way to recognize its most courageous citizens.

When the Award Was Established

The official decree to create the title of Hero of the Soviet Union was made on April 16, 1934. This meant it became a real and important part of Soviet honors.

First Heroes of the Soviet Union

The very first people to receive this title were honored on April 20, 1934. These early heroes were often pilots who performed daring flights or rescues.

The Award During World War II

Many Heroes of the Soviet Union earned their title during World War II, which the Soviets called the Great Patriotic War. Soldiers, sailors, and pilots showed incredible bravery against the enemy. Their actions often changed the outcome of battles.

Famous Heroes of the War

Many legendary figures emerged from the war with this title. They became symbols of courage and sacrifice for the Soviet people. Their stories were told to inspire others.

The End of the Award

The title of Hero of the Soviet Union was awarded for the last time on December 24, 1991. This was just before the Soviet Union itself came to an end. After that, new awards were created in the countries that used to be part of the Soviet Union, like the Hero of the Russian Federation in Russia.

Hero Cities and Fortresses

Besides individuals, some cities and a fortress were also given the special title of "Hero City" or "Hero Fortress." This was to honor the incredible bravery and resistance shown by their people during World War II.

Why Cities Became Heroes

These cities and the fortress faced terrible attacks and sieges during the war. Their people fought bravely and endured great hardship. Giving them the "Hero" title was a way to remember their courage and sacrifice forever.

Examples of Hero Cities

Some famous Hero Cities include Sevastopol, Moscow, and Tula. The Brest Fortress also received this special honor for its heroic defense.

Images for kids

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  Marshal Georgy Zhukov (center) wearing three Hero of the Soviet Union medals and Marshal Konstantin Rokossovsky (right) wearing two

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  Hero of the Soviet Union Army General Pavel Grachev

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  Twice Hero of the Soviet Union Major General Alexander Molodchy

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  Hero of Soviet Union obelisk of Saint Petersburg.

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  Coat of arms of the Hero-City of Sevastopol

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  Flag of the Hero-City of Tula

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  Hero-Fortress of Brest

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  Hero-City of Moscow

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  Hero of the Soviet Union Lieutenant Alexander Kosmodem'yanskii

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  Twice Hero of the Soviet Union Sergey Ivanovich Gritsevets

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  Hero of the Soviet Union Alexander Matrosov

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  Hero of the Soviet Union Lyudmila Pavlichenko

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  2009 Russian stamp commemorating the Hero of the Soviet Union award.

See also

In Spanish: Héroe de la Unión Soviética para niños