Hero of the Soviet Union

Hero of the Soviet Union was the highest degree of distinction of the USSR, established by a decree of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR on 16 April 1934. The title was awarded for personal or collective services to the Soviet state and society associated with the performance of a heroic deed. The first awards were made on 20 April 1934 to seven pilots involved in rescuing the crew and expedition members of the steamship Chelyuskin. In 1939, the Gold Star medal was established as the special badge of distinction for Heroes of the Soviet Union.