order of the red banner
Soviet military decoration for heroism in combat, 1924-1991. Originally the highest honor in the Soviet armed forces, until topped by the Order of Lenin in 1930; however, the latter was not strictly reserved for military heroism. The Order of the Red Banner could be awarded to units and institutions (such as ships or even whole fleets of the Soviet Navy) as well as individuals. Its civilian equivalent was the Order of the Red Banner of Labor.