The Order of the Badge of Honor was actually the last major award of those that were established in the Soviet Union in the pre-war period. The need for this distinctive sign arose as the government sought to find methods of additional incentives for workers of the Soviet Union, not related to direct economic incentives.
How the Order of the Badge of Honor appeared
In the mid-thirties of the last century, the labor enthusiasm of the masses spread widely in the Soviet Union. The government of the USSR thought about how to stimulate the people and motivate them to work achievements. Cash bonuses are just one way to create work motivation. An equally important incentive was the desire of workers to receive a high state award - the Order of the Badge of Honor.
The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR established this order on November 25, 1935. The corresponding decree stated that the “Badge of Honor" is awarded to individual citizens and entire collectives that have demonstrated the highest rates in industry, agriculture, and other sectors of the economy.
The Order was also to be awarded for merits in scientific and research activities, for achievements in culture and sports, as well as for active participation in improving the country's defense capabilities.
The oval order depicted a worker and a collective farmer. This image was a reflection of the movement of society forward, towards a brighter future; he personified liberated from oppression labor. In the hands of the figures, the artist placed banners with the slogan calling the proletarians to unite. In the upper part of the composition there was a red star and gilded letters "USSR", and below was the inscription "Badge of Honor".
