WWII Soviet Order of Glory 3rd Class – Numbered Silver Combat Decoration – Serial No. #375015
An original Soviet Order of Glory 3rd Class (Орден Славы III степени), awarded for personal bravery and heroism in combat during the Great Patriotic War.
This silver wartime example retains its original orange-and-black St. George ribbon and bears serial number 375015 on the reverse. The obverse displays the iconic Spasskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin beneath a red enamel star, with the red enamel banner inscribed “СЛАВА” (“Glory”).
Established on 8 November 1943, the Order of Glory was one of the Soviet Union’s most respected frontline combat decorations. Awarded exclusively to enlisted men, NCOs, and junior aviation personnel, it recognized acts of exceptional courage under enemy fire. Typical qualifying actions included storming enemy positions, destroying machine-gun nests, capturing prisoners, conducting dangerous reconnaissance missions, or continuing to fight after being wounded.
The Order of Glory was awarded in three classes, with the 3rd Class representing the first step in a progression that could ultimately lead to the prestigious 1st Class. Because it was intended specifically for frontline soldiers, it became one of the most highly regarded Soviet awards of the Second World War and is often compared to the Imperial Russian St. George Cross.
Serial number 375015 places this decoration within wartime production and indicates issue to a specific Soviet serviceman for a documented act of battlefield bravery.
A desirable and historic original Soviet combat decoration directly connected to the fierce fighting on the Eastern Front during World War II.
€160,00
In stock
In stock
Details
| Conflict | World War II |
|---|---|
| Country | Soviet Union |
Statement
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Historical Description
he Order of Glory was established on 8 November 1943 and became one of the Soviet Union’s most respected combat awards of the Second World War. It was created specifically for enlisted men, non-commissioned officers, and junior aviation personnel who demonstrated exceptional personal courage in battle.
Inspired by the Imperial Russian Cross of St. George, the Order of Glory used the same distinctive black-and-orange ribbon and was awarded in three successive classes: 3rd Class, 2nd Class, and 1st Class. A recipient had to earn the 3rd Class first before progressing to the higher grades.
The award recognized individual acts of battlefield heroism such as:
- Being among the first to storm enemy positions.
- Destroying enemy machine-gun nests or artillery pieces.
- Capturing enemy soldiers or officers.
- Continuing to fight despite wounds.
- Successfully conducting reconnaissance missions under fire.
The 3rd Class, as seen here, was manufactured in silver and represented the first step in the prestigious Order of Glory system. Hundreds of thousands were awarded during the war, but each was individually numbered and issued for a documented act of bravery.
This example bears serial number 375015, placing it within wartime production. Based on the number, it was likely awarded during the later stages of the Great Patriotic War, approximately 1944–1945.
The Order of Glory is often regarded as the Soviet equivalent of the Imperial Russian St. George Cross and remains one of the most iconic decorations awarded to frontline soldiers of the Red Army. It symbolizes personal courage, sacrifice, and battlefield valor during the Soviet Union’s struggle against Nazi Germany.
