№ 1375. 75th anniversary of a rank of the Hero of Soviet Union

The Rank of the Hero of the Soviet Union is the highest honorary rank in the USSR, which was  assigned for heroic deed. It was established by the decision of the Central Electoral Committee of the USSR from 16.04.1934. The medal «Gold Star» was established by the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on August 1, 1939 « On additional signs of honour for Heroes of the Soviet Union» and became the main symbol of the rank of the HSU in our country.
The first people who were awarded the rank of the HSU in 1934 were pilots, who rescued the crew of the steamer «Chelyuskin». In total more than 12.7 thousand people have been awarded the rank of the HSU.