Order of the Red Banner

Order of the Red Banner
The Order of the Red Banner
TypeSingle-grade order
Awarded forHeroism in combat or long service in the armed forces
Presented by Soviet Union
EligibilitySoviet Citizens
StatusNo longer awarded
EstablishedAugust 1, 1924
Last awarded1991
Total581,300
Ribbon of the Order of the Red Banner
Precedence
Next (higher)Order of the October Revolution
EquivalentOrder of the Red Banner of Labour
Next (lower)Order of Suvorov
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
Early variant Soviet Order of the Red Banner
Naval ensign of a Military Order of the Red Banner vessel

The Order of the Red Banner (Russian: Орден Красного Знамени, romanizedOrden Krasnogo Znameni) 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 "Long Service Award" variant).