The Order of Alexander Nevsky is one of the highest awards of the Russian Federation. It was first created in 1725 by decree of Catherine I. And almost 2 centuries later, in 1917, this order was abolished. Secondly, he became a state award in 1942 during the Great Patriotic War.
After the collapse of the USSR, the Order of Alexander Nevsky, although it was not abolished, was not awarded. And in 2010, he was again officially included in the list of state awards.
Who was awarded the Order of Alexander Nevsky until October 1917
The official name of the award is from 1725 to 1917. it sounded like this: "The Imperial Order of the Holy Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky." It was a golden cross with a coating of red enamel, in which the upper ends expanded. Between them were placed golden figures of double-headed eagles, and in the center of the cross was a round medallion depicting Alexander Nevsky.
The Order of Alexander Nevsky became the third official award of the Russian Empire, after the orders of St. Andrew the First-Called and St. Catherine.
By status, the order could be granted to high-ranking military personnel and civilians for special services to the state. For example, during the Patriotic War of 1812 - 1814. he was awarded 48 times, including 4 generals who were awarded to him for the battle of Borodino.
History of the Order of Alexander Nevsky after the October Revolution
During the Great Patriotic War, new state awards were needed to mark the mass heroism of Soviet soldiers and officers. Among these new awards was the Order of Alexander Nevsky. It was established on July 29, 1942. The order was intended to reward the commanding staff of the Red Army, from the platoon commander to the division commander inclusive, who showed courage and initiative in the battle, as a result of which considerable damage was inflicted to the enemy with minimal personal losses.
The award status of the order implied the Battle of Neva in 1240, when the 20-year-old Prince Alexander defeated the Swedes, inflicting a sudden blow to them.
The order was made in the form of a five-pointed star with dark red rays against the background of a regular decagon. In the center of the order was a circle with a profile image of Prince Alexander Nevsky in a helmet and chain mail.
The modern order of Alexander Nevsky is a four-pointed dark red cross, between the ends of which are two-headed eagles. This award can be awarded to citizens of Russia, already holding other orders, for special merits in strengthening the country's defense capabilities, achievements in the field of science, culture, and health care. The order can also be awarded to foreigners who have made a great contribution to the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with the Russian Federation.
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