Russian Guards: Encyclopedia II - Russian Guards - Soviet Union

Russian Guards - Soviet Union

Soviet Guards (Советская Гвардия in Russian, Sovetskaya Gvardiya), units and formations of the Soviet Army, which distinguished themselves in combat during the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.

The title of the Soviet Guards was first introduced on September 18, 1941 in accordance with the decision of the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief (Ставка Верховного Главнокомандующего, or Stavka Verkhovnogo Glavnokomanduyuschego) and by the 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, respectively.

The units and formations nominated for the Soviet Guard title received special Guards banner in accordance with the decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. 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. In June of 1943, they introduced the Guards Red Banners for the land forces and in February of 1944 - for the naval forces.

After the WWII a number of Guards troops were stationed over the Eastern Europe, e.g., in the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Soviet Union", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki