HERO OF THE SOVIET UNION

HERO OF THE SOVIET UNION, the honorary title in the USSR between 1934— 91, the highest degree of distinction for a personal or collective heroic feat for the sake of the state and society. The title was assigned or deprived of by the USSR Presidium of the Armed Forces (between 1936–37 — by the USSR Central Executive Committee). The hero was awarded the Order of Lenin (from July, 1936; between 1973—88, also if the title was reawarded), the Gold Star Medal (from August 1939; until October 1939, it was named Hero of the Soviet Union Medal) and a Diploma by the USSR Presidium of the Supreme Сouncil. Twice Hero was commemorated with a bronze bust on the terr. of his homeland, three times Hero — in Moscow. The title of the H.o.t.S.U. was awarded to more than

12.7 thous. people, incl. 239 natives of the RB (ref. Annex).