Fighting On All Fronts: Women At War exhibition article - Patriotic War Hero

Patriotic War Hero

Hero of the Soviet Union: Komsomol member Vera Lebedeva was a nurse from Leningrad who joined the war to assist the wounded as a medic of an artillery and machine gun unit. At the front, she learned how to use a machine gun and, during an attack from the enemy, she moved forward and opened fire at close range. Facing a critical moment, she decided to use a grenade on the approaching Nazis but Soviet reinforcements arrived and repelled the attack. The soldiers carried out a seriously wounded Lebedeva still holding a grenade. Vera Lebedeva was awarded the military Order of the Red Banner for showing extraordinary heroism and courage in combat.

Women Heroes of the Soviet Union

During the war, women soldiers of the Soviet Union defended their homeland alongside men. For their military exploits, bravery and courage in combat, and selfless work on the home front, about 150,000 servicewomen received awards, orders and medals; 90 women were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

Hero of the Soviet Union was the highest degree of distinction in the USSR, awarded for a feat of outstanding merit during hostilities and, as an exception, in peacetime. The title was established by the Decree of the Central Executive Committee in 1934.