Order of Alexander Nevsky

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Soviet version of the order
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Soviet version of the order

Order of Alexander Nevsky (Russian: Орден Александра Невского) was first instituted in 1725 by Catherine I of Russia. It was originally awarded to distinguished Russian citizens who had served their country with honor, mostly through political or military service. Tolstoy states in Anna Karenina that the Order of St. Vladimir and Order of St. Andrew were higher honors. In 1917, the Order was abolished. However, on July 29, 1942, the Soviet Union government reinstated the Order and awarded the status upon hundreds of men who served during World War II, thereby reviving the memory of Alexander Nevsky's struggle with the Teutonic Knights. During the war the Order was granted to more than 42,000 Soviet servicemen, about 70 foreign generals and officers, and over 1,470 military units that wear the order on their banners.Since then, the Order has been regarded solely as a military award.

It is to be worn on the right side of the chest. Ribbon is bluish-white with red central stripe. The weight of order is 40,8±1,7 g with 37,056±1,387 g of silver.

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