Guards badge model 1942

Worn by "Guard" unit members that had shown dynamism, political zeal and comradeship (soldiers could be a member of a Guards unit without being holder of the badge).
The text states " Гвардия " (Gvardіya) and "CCCP" or USSR ( Union Soviet Socialist Republics ) in cyrillic.

["Guards history"][Hide]

Units were awarded Guards status after distinguishing themselves in service and considered to have elite status. The title was first introduced on September 18, 1941 by order №308 of the People's Commissar of Defense for the distinguished services during the Yelnya Offensive (the 100th, 127th, 153rd and 161st Rifle Divisions were renamed into the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Guards Divisions).  All artillery units equipped with Katyusha multiple rocket launchers were designated Guards Mortars Units. On May 21, 1942, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR introduced Guards ranks and Guards badges to be worn of the right side of the chest.  Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

The award had it's advantages; it came with higher pay and Guard units received improved rations aswell as better equipment in weapons and uniforms.
The downside was that these units were always at the forefront and assigned the most dangerous missions. _{Source: page 18 of "The Soviet Soldier of WW2".}

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