*Soviet, WWII, Medal “For the Defence of Stalingrad” (За оборону Сталинграда), Campaign Medal with Ribbon*
A historically significant Soviet campaign medal awarded for participation in the defence of Stalingrad during the Second World War. The medal is struck in brass and suspended from its original Soviet pentagonal mount with pale olive-green ribbon and central red stripe.
The obverse depicts a group of five Soviet soldiers advancing with rifles, with a Red Army banner flying above them. In the background appear tanks and aircraft, symbolising the combined Soviet forces engaged in the battle. Around the upper rim is the inscription “ЗА ОБОРОНУ СТАЛИНГРАДА” (“For the Defence of Stalingrad”), separated by a small five-pointed star.
The reverse shows the hammer and sickle emblem above the inscription “ЗА НАШУ СОВЕТСКУЮ РОДИНУ” (“For Our Soviet Motherland”). The medal remains attached to its original suspension mount and ribbon.
Approx. Measurements – Medal diameter: 32 mm.
History Note:
The Medal “For the Defence of Stalingrad” was instituted on 22 December 1942 during the Second World War. It recognised the extraordinary resistance of Soviet military personnel and civilians who participated in the defence of the city between 12 July and 19 November 1942, during one of the most decisive battles of the war.
The Battle of Stalingrad (1942–1943) is widely regarded as the turning point of the Eastern Front. Soviet forces halted and eventually encircled the German Sixth Army, marking the beginning of the long German retreat from the Soviet Union. The medal was awarded to soldiers of the Red Army, sailors of the Soviet Navy, NKVD troops, and civilians who contributed directly to the defence of the city. Hundreds of thousands were issued, reflecting the scale of the battle and the immense human effort involved.
*Condition*
Good original condition with honest age-related wear. The brass medal shows typical patina and light surface marks consistent with age. The ribbon remains present on its original Soviet-style suspension bar, showing some wear and fraying near the lower fold. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQ#3032B0_2772237088
