Medal for the Defense of Leningrad

  
Established - December 22, 1942
Composition - Brass
Number Awarded - 1,470,000

All those who participated in the defense of Leningrad were awarded this medal. It was bestowed on both servicemen and civilians who took a direct part in the battles for the city, a siege that lasted 900 days. The city was ultimately liberated in January 1944. On May 1, 1945, the city of Leningrad received the title of Hero City for its citizens valiant efforts. 

 

Defense of Leningrad Ribbon and Award Document

This ribbon was awarded with the medal, and was worn when the full medal was not authorized (such as on off-duty uniforms).

The document on the right shows that this medal was awarded to Alexandra Lebedeva in 1943.

 

Medal for the Defense of Stalingrad

 
Established - December 22, 1942
Composition - Brass
Number Awarded - 760,000

The medal for Defense of Stalingrad was awarded to all civilians and servicemen of the Soviet Army, Navy, and Ministry of Internal Affairs who participated in the titanic battle for the city. The heroic actions of all who served there (such as legendary snipers Vasili Zietsev and Nikolay Yakovlevich Ilyin) led to the destruction of the German 6th Army. It is a battle that was considered one of the great turning points of the Great Patriotic War.

Defense of Stalingrad Ribbon

This ribbon was awarded with the medal, and was worn when the full medal was not authorized (such as on off-duty uniforms). 

 

Medal for the Defense of the Polar Region

 
Established - May 12, 1944
Composition - Brass
Number Awarded - Uncertain at present

The medal for Defense of the Polar Region was awarded to all civilians and servicemen of the Soviet Army, Navy, and Ministry of Internal Affairs who participated in these actions.

These battlefields were often north of the Arctic circle, such as the troops who fought to hold the port of Petsamo from the Sredni peninsula on the Barents sea.  When the city fell, the troops manning the coastal defense guns on the peninsula used its weapons to harass Nazi shipping entering or leaving the port.

Other troops awarded this medal were the sailors of the Northern fleet, troops of the Karelian front, and to civilians who aided the war effort in those regions.

Defense of the Polar Region Ribbon

This ribbon was awarded with the medal, and was worn when the full medal was not authorized (such as on off-duty uniforms). 

 

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