The army used two patterns of rank insignia during the Great Patriotic War.  The first pattern was the older 1940 design, but this was changed in 1943 to bring back a more traditional Russian look.  This raised morale and helped give the people a tangible link to the history of Russia.  It was even said that the first shoulder boards (pogoni) were made from old Czarist stocks.  

Soon after the 1943 pattern boards were introduced, a massive propaganda campaign began.  Its goal was to use every possible reminder of traditional Russian patriotism to inspire the people to defend their homeland. The campaign was amazingly successful.

The changes did away with years of Bolshevik military fashion, and allowed the Red Army to fight the greatest war in its history as Russians, not Soviets.  Towards the end of the war new Victory Parade uniforms would be issued as well.  The Red Army designers had turned their back on the Bolshevism of the 1920's and 1930's for good.