The Order of the Red Banner was the first Soviet military decoration. The Order was established on 16 September 1918, during the Russian Civil War by decree of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee. It was the highest award of Soviet Russia, subsequently the Soviet Union, until the Order of Lenin was established in 1930. Recipients were recognised for extraordinary heroism, dedication, and courage demonstrated on the battlefield. The Order was awarded to individuals as well as to military units, cities, ships, political and social organizations, and state enterprises. In later years, it was also awarded on the twentieth and again on the thirtieth anniversary of military, police, or state security service without requiring participation in combat.
The Order of the Red Banner
First variant Russian Order of the Red Banner on red cloth from 1918 to 1924
Marshal of the Soviet Union Vasily Blyukher wearing four first variant Orders of the Red Banner
1933 stamp marking the 15th anniversary of the Order of the Red Banner
Vasily Konstantinovich Blyukher was a Soviet military commander and Marshal of the Soviet Union.
Blyukher c. 1930s
Vasily Blyukher with The First Order of the Red Banner