Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Class

The Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Class was the higher of the two classes of the Order of the Patriotic War, established by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on 20 May 1942. It was intended for personnel of the Red Army, Navy and NKVD troops, as well as members of partisan units, who displayed bravery, steadfastness and courage in battle or whose actions contributed to the success of military operations. Its statute specified detailed combat achievements for which the 1st or 2nd Class could be awarded.