highest civilian award of the U.S.S.R. It was established in 1930 by the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Union and awarded to individuals, collectives, institutions, or organizations for outstanding achievements in research, art, technology, or economics or for the solution of tasks vital to the state. The order had one class. It was awarded automatically to “Heroes of the Soviet Union” and “Heroes of Socialist Labour.” It also was conferred on foreigners for services strengthening cooperation and friendship between the U.S.S.R. and other nations.

The badge consisted of a circular portrait of Lenin framed in a gold wreath of ears of rye and crowned by a red flag with Lenin's name. On the left side was a red star, and at the base were the hammer and sickle emblems.