The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Decorations · Soviet medals

Medal for Courage: History, Grades and Collector’s Guide

Introduced October 1938
Awarded for Personal courage and bravery in defending the homeland and fulfilling military duty
Number awarded About 4.5 million (Museum Berlin-Karlshorst)
Typical paperwork Certificate or order book; award lists
In the collection No pieces currently available

The Medal “For Courage” (Za Otvagu) was the most important Soviet medal for bravery. Its silver disc, with tanks and aircraft above the inscription, is one of the most familiar Soviet awards, and its numbers make early examples traceable.

What Was the Medal for Courage?

The medal was introduced in October 1938 for personal courage and bravery in defending the homeland. Museum Berlin-Karlshorst puts the total awarded at about 4.5 million. Early awards were numbered, which allows them to be linked to recipients.

Who Awarded It, and Which Documents Go With It?

Award lists and certificates or order books record the award. A medal with its paperwork and a description of the deed is the ideal group. See order book.

What Should Collectors Watch For?

  • Serial numbers on Soviet orders can be checked against the award record and the recipient’s order book; a missing or altered number is a warning sign.
  • Suspension types changed during the war and help with dating.
  • Copies exist in quantity.

Legal note. Trade in Soviet state awards is restricted in the Russian Federation, where buying and selling state decorations is a criminal offence, and export of historical items from Russia and other former Soviet states is controlled. Rules elsewhere differ; check the law in your country and in the country of origin before buying or shipping.

Collector’s Note

Behind each Medal for Courage stands a deed written up by a commander. When that citation survives, the medal becomes a story.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Medal for Courage introduced?

In October 1938.

How many were awarded?

About 4.5 million, according to Museum Berlin-Karlshorst.

Can the recipient be traced?

Often, through the serial number and award records.

Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts of the Soviet period for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology, and it is written in memory of the victims of political repression and war.

References & Further Reading