The history of the first guards units in the Russian army dates back to the existence of the imperial system. It is reliably known that the first such units were two and Preobrazhensky, which were founded during the reign of Peter I. Even then, these regiments showed considerable endurance and heroism in battle. Such units existed until Bolshevism came to power in Russia. Then there was an active struggle against the remnants of the tsarist regime, and the guards units were disbanded, and the concept itself was forgotten. However, during the Great Patriotic War, the issue of rewarding distinguished soldiers became acute, since many soldiers or entire units fought bravely even against superior enemy forces. It was during this difficult time that the “USSR Guard” badge was established.
Establishment of the Guards rank
In 1941, the Red Army suffered a series of defeats from the Wehrmacht and retreated. The decision to revive the former tradition of the Soviet government arose during one of the most difficult defense battles - the Battle of Smolensk. In this battle, four divisions especially distinguished themselves: the 100th, 127th, 153rd and 161st. And already in September 1941, by order of the Supreme High Command, they were renamed into the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Guards Divisions and assigned the corresponding rank. At the same time, all personnel were awarded the “Guard” badge, and also received special salaries: for privates - double, for officers - one and a half. Later, this sign also began to decorate the banners of distinguished units (since 1943).
During the war years, many units that showed courage and heroism in battles with the invaders were awarded the guards rank. But the story of elite formations in the Red Army does not end there. Awards of the guards rank were also carried out during other armed conflicts. They continued until the collapse of the USSR. The “Guard” badge was awarded to any recruit who joined the unit, but only after he had undergone baptism of fire, and in such areas as the aviation or navy, these requirements were even more stringent. Moreover, in this regard, there was no difference between officers and ordinary soldiers.
Badge "Guard": description
There are several types of this award: WWII, post-war, and modern badges. Each of them has its own differences, since the design and Yes, and they were produced at different factories, changed over time. A sample from 1942 will be described below.
So, this honorary award is a sign made in the form of a laurel wreath, covered with gold enamel. The upper part is covered with a fluttering color on which "Guard" is written in gold letters. The entire space inside the wreath is covered with white enamel. In the center stands the Soviet army in red with gold trim. The left rays of the star are crossed by the flagpole, which is intertwined with a ribbon. Two cords extend from it, which hang onto the left branch of the wreath. At the bottom there is a cartouche on which the inscription “USSR” is engraved.
When assigning any part of the guards rank, the emblem depicting the award was also applied to military equipment - tanks or aircraft.
The dimensions of the sign are 46 x 34 mm. It was made of tombak - an alloy of brass, copper and zinc. Its properties prevented the award from rusting. A special pin and nut were included for fastening to clothing. The award was worn on the right side of the clothing at chest level.
The project was developed by S.I. Dmitriev. One of the design options was an almost similar sign, but Lenin’s profile was placed on the banner. However, Stalin did not like the idea, and he ordered to replace the profile with the inscription “Guard”. This is how the award received its final form.
Privileges and features
Those who had the sign “USSR Guard” were entitled to special privileges. The award remained with the person who received it even if he left the guards service. The same applied to the transfer of a soldier to another unit. The award was also worn in the post-war period. In 1951, the government of the USSR issued a law that decided to temporarily stop awarding the “Guard” badge, doing this only in exceptional cases. This order was observed until 1961, when the Minister of Defense R. Ya. Malinovsky approved an order according to which the right to wear the badge came into force when serving in a guards unit. It did not apply to WWII participants.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the presentation. It was carried out solemnly, with the entire unit in general formation, with banners unfurled. In addition to the award itself, the fighter was also given a document containing relevant information about the award and confirming it. But over time, the presentation itself turned into a routine and lost its “ritual” meaning.
Modernity
Now, when the glory of past events is fading, it can be purchased from various private dealers. Since one of the most popular awards is the “Guard” badge, its price is usually low. This depends on several factors: the time and method of manufacture, the history of the award, and who is selling it. The cost starts at an average of 2000 rubles.
Bottom line
The “Guard” badge testified to the heroism, military training and valor of the person wearing it. During the existence of the USSR, units awarded the title of guards were considered elite, and soldiers who served in such units were treated with great respect.
The Soviet Guard was born during the Great Patriotic War during the Battle of Smolensk near Yelnya on September 18, 1941. There, as a result of a counterattack by the Western and Reserve Fronts, a large enemy group was defeated for the first time, and the city was liberated. Four motorized rifle divisions - 100-, 127-, 153- and 161st (division commanders: Major General I. Russiyanov, Colonels A. Akimenko, N. Gagen, P. Moskvitin) “... for military exploits, organization, discipline, and exemplary order” were renamed Guards by order of the USSR NCO No. 308.
Their military history is significant. For example, the 100th Rifle Division is one of the oldest in the Red Army. Its fighting traditions were established on the fronts of the Civil War. In 1940, the division's soldiers crushed the Mannerheim Line on the Karelian Isthmus, and its Battle Banner was decorated with the Order of Lenin. Entering into battle on June 26, 1941, it defeated two enemy regiments in two days: a tank and an infantry. The decisive test for the title of Guards for the division was the battles on the Yelninsky ledge, which lasted about a month. The soldiers boldly went into battle with one thought - to win. They gave the enemy no rest day or night. The wounded, as a rule, did not leave the battlefield as long as they could stay on their feet. And the future guardsmen did what was required of them: in cooperation with their neighbors, they pinned down large enemy forces, cleared part of the Soviet territory from the enemy, and contributed to the liberation of Yelnya - the first Soviet city that the Nazis were forced to abandon.
The former platoon commander of the 153rd (3rd Guards) Rifle Division, retired Major General N. Kosmodemyansky, recalled: “...For us veterans, the heavy battles of 1941 are especially memorable. Near Vitebsk, where the Ural warriors received a baptism of fire, repelling the onslaught of an enemy many times superior in strength. Near Yelnya, where they learned not only to defend themselves, but also to successfully attack.
Yes, the victory at Yelnya came at a high price. In those battles, many of our comrades died the death of the brave. They did not have to wear the “Guard” sign on their chests. But they rightfully deserved the title of guardsmen.”
At the same time, by decision of the Supreme Command Headquarters, guards mortar units were formed. The order of the People's Commissar of Defense dated November 11, 1941 for the first time summarized the combat experience of the guardsmen: “... the tank crews of the brigade, having met Guderian’s tank group in the Mtsensk area, acted extremely skillfully, showed combat caution, hit the enemy’s tanks and manpower...” In a word, they fought in a way that no one had managed before, they burned 133 tanks, preserving their material and combat effectiveness.
The Guard of the Great Patriotic War is a galaxy of heroes whose names will never fade. These include B.C. Petrov, who commanded the 248th Guards Anti-Tank Artillery Regiment and after losing both arms. He received the second Gold Star of Hero of the Soviet Union as a guard major. All three Stars of the Hero of the Soviet Union, the famous pilot A.I. Pokryshkin received it as part of the 16th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment. The last one was during the performance of the position of commander. Another famous World War II ace, three-time Hero of the Soviet Union I.N., fought with the enemy as deputy commander of the 176th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment. Kozhedub. In the 63rd Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, Guard Senior Lieutenant A.P. accomplished a feat, conducting air battles using prosthetic legs instead of legs. Maresyev, deputy squadron commander. Guard private forever entered the history of A.M. Sailors, who covered the embrasure of an enemy bunker with his chest and was forever enlisted in his native 244th Guards Rifle Regiment.
All of them resurrected and multiplied the best military traditions of the Russian Guard. The military exploits of their ancestors helped the guardsmen find high examples of perseverance and fearlessness, loyalty to their people. In total, during the Great Patriotic War, over 4.5 thousand units, ships, formations, and associations were given the guards name. They were awarded special guards banners, and naval formations were awarded the guards naval flag.
In May 1942, a badge was established for military personnel of the guards units. In the Navy, until 1943, it was a rectangular plate (gold-plated for commanding officers and silver-plated for privates) with an orange moire ribbon with black longitudinal stripes. Sailors and foremen of guard ships wore a moire ribbon on their caps. Distinctive military ranks were established for all military personnel of guards units, ships and formations. In addition, they were given an increased salary. The assignment of guards ranks and the presentation of banners was carried out in a solemn atmosphere at rallies, where the soldiers swore not to disgrace the guards unit and to observe the laws of the guard.
In the post-war years, the Soviet guard continued the glorious traditions of previous generations of guards. And although in peacetime the formations were not converted into guards, in order to preserve military traditions, the guards ranks of units, ships, formations and associations were transferred to new military formations during reorganization with direct succession in personnel. Thus, the 4th Kantemirovskaya Tank Division was created on the basis of the famous 4th Kantemirovsky Guards Corps. She retained her honorary title and was given the corps guards banner. The same thing happened with the 5th Guards Mechanized Division, whose servicemen subsequently fulfilled their military duty in Afghanistan with dignity. Similar reorganizations took place in the Air Force, Airborne Forces and Navy. Newly formed units and formations of the Strategic Missile Forces, anti-aircraft missile units and formations of the country's Air Defense Forces were awarded the ranks of artillery and mortar formations that distinguished themselves during the Great Patriotic War.
Guards units and formations were located primarily at the forefront in groups of forces and border districts, and divisions and ships, whose exploits received special recognition, were stationed in large cities and capitals of the union republics. A recruit soldier, coming to serve in a guards unit, with great pride accepted the “Guard” badge from the hands of the commander and vowed not to disgrace the memory of his fathers and grandfathers.
The Guard of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation was the successor and continuer of the military traditions of its predecessors. Guards motorized rifle Taman, Guards tank Kantemirovskaya, Guards motorized rifle Carpathian-Berlin divisions; Guards separate motorized rifle brigade; guard formations of the Airborne Forces; Guards Motorized Rifle Piotrakuvsky Regiment, Guards Motorized Rifle Tatsinsky Regiment... These names still inspire and oblige to selflessly serve the Fatherland.
The guardsmen of the late 20th - early 21st centuries are faithful to the laws of the guard, developed and enshrined by their predecessors. Will we ever forget about the feat of our contemporaries - the 6th company of the 104th Guards Parachute Regiment near Ulus-Kert, which is inscribed with a golden line in the modern history of the Russian Armed Forces, in the centuries-old chronicle of its guards? He inspires to good deeds those who today carry out difficult military service under the guards banners, helps to instill in soldiers a sense of pride in their army, their Fatherland.
Today, in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the guard is the successor and continuer of the military traditions of its predecessors. Guards units, ships and formations that became part of the RF Armed Forces retained their previous honorary names and awards. The further development of the Guard of the Russian Federation follows the path of professionalization by changing the principles of manning, improving the organizational structure, and equipping it with more modern types of weapons and military equipment. Great importance is attached to increasing combat training, instilling patriotism, and improving the furnishings and uniforms of military personnel of the guards units.
An integral feature of a guardsman is ideological conviction, patriotism, and loyalty to the military oath. At all times, he is distinguished by selfless love for his unit, the ship.
The traditions of the Guard, its unfading glory are the inheritance and heritage of every Russian soldier, all our units and ships. To serve in the Guards today means to have the highest combat qualifications, to masterfully wield equipment and weapons, to serve vigilantly, and to tirelessly strengthen the combat readiness of the army and navy.
The Red Army Guard (Soviet Guard) united under its glorious banners units, formations and associations, transformed into guards for mass heroism, courage and high military skill shown in the battles for the Soviet Motherland. Some of the formations and units (armies, corps, divisions, etc.) received the rank of guards when formed on the basis of units that previously bore the rank of guards. However, as an exception, the Guards mortar units have been formed since August 1941 immediately as Guards units, which emphasized their great importance in the fight against the fascists.
By order of the People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR No. 303 of September 18, 1941, the four rifle divisions 100th (Major General Russiyanov), 127th (Colonel Akimenko), 153rd (Colonel Hagen) and 161st (Colonel Moskvitin) were transformed respectively into the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Guards Rifle Divisions. This day is considered the birthday of the Soviet Guard. In accordance with the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, guards formations and units were awarded the Guards Red Banners.
The personnel of guards units and formations were paid increased salaries; for commanding officers - one and a half, and for privates - double. 
The presentation of the Guards Red Banner during the Great Patriotic War was an outstanding and significant event in the life of each unit, formation and association. To accept the Banner, the entire personnel of the unit lined up in a solemn atmosphere and took an oath.
The size of the Banner: 145 cm in length and 115 cm in width, there is a fringe on three sides, two tassels were attached to the top of the shaft, 250 cm long and 4 cm thick, on a twisted cord. On the front side in the center of the panel is a portrait of V.I. Lenin, above it is the signature “For our Soviet Motherland!”, under the portrait is “USSR”.
On the other side of the Banner is the name of the unit or formation, and above it is an image of the guards badge and the slogan “Death to the German invaders!”
In connection with the appearance in 1942-1943. a large number of guards corps and armies. By the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of June 11, 1943, special Red Names were established for the corps and army.
The regulations on the Red Banners for the Guards Army and Corps, approved by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on June 11, 1943, stated: “The Guards Red Banner obliges all personnel of the Guards armies and corps to be a model for all other units and formations of the Red Army... In the event of loss of the Guards Banner due to disorganization, cowardice and instability in battle, the command staff guilty of such disgrace will be subject to trial by the Military Tribunal, and the army or corps will be deprived of their Guards rank and subject to reorganization."
By the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated May 21, 1942, special distinctive titles were established for military personnel of the Guards units and formations of the Red Army who were awarded the Guards rank, for example, “Red Army Guardsman,” “Guards Colonel,” etc.
The same decree established a special “Guard” badge, which was worn on the right side of the chest.
Along with the badge, a “Guards Memo” was issued, which contained, in particular, the following words:
“Where the guard advances, the enemy cannot resist;
Where the guard defends, the enemy will not pass;
What is a guards feat? This means killing the enemy and staying alive yourself. And if you die, then give your life dearly.
If a guardsman dies, he does not let go of his weapon. Even when he is dead, it is directed at the enemy;
He is not a real guardsman who has not killed a single occupier."
In total, during the war (as of May 9, 1945), the following were awarded the title of Guards: 11 combined arms and 6 tank armies; horse-mechanized group; 40 rifle, 7 cavalry, 12 tank, 9 mechanized and 14 aviation corps; 117 rifle, 9 airborne, 17 cavalry, 6 artillery, 53 aviation and 6 anti-aircraft artillery divisions, 7 rocket artillery divisions; 13 rifle, 3 airborne, 66 tank, 28 mechanized, 3 self-propelled artillery and 64 artillery regiments, 1 mortar, 11 anti-tank fighter, 40 rocket artillery, 6 engineering and 1 railway brigade; 1 UR; in the Navy - 18 surface ships, 16 submarines, 13 divisions of combat boats, 2 air divisions, 2 anti-aircraft artillery regiments, 1 marine brigade, 1 naval railway artillery brigade, as well as a number of separate battalions and companies of various types of troops and special forces. 
Military personnel whose units were awarded the title “Guards” had the right to wear them. From June 11, 1943, this sign was also placed on the banners of these units.
The Soviet Guard appeared during the most difficult defensive battles in the summer and autumn of 1941 near Smolensk. Order No. 308 of the Supreme High Command Headquarters dated September 18 stated: “In numerous battles for our Soviet Motherland against the Nazi hordes of Nazi Germany, the 100th, 127th, 153rd and 161st Infantry Divisions showed examples of courage, bravery, discipline and organization. In difficult conditions of struggle, these divisions repeatedly inflicted brutal defeats on the Nazi troops, put them to flight, and terrified them.” The divisions listed in the order, which distinguished themselves in battles with the enemy, were renamed respectively into the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Guards. They were presented with special guards banners with a portrait of V.I. Lenin.
Material privileges were established for military personnel of the guards units: for command and command personnel one and a half salary, and for privates - double salary.
It was planned to introduce a special uniform with shoulder straps for the guards, but during the Second World War this was not possible.
I.V. Stalin individually reviewed all designs for the sign. He suggested replacing the bas-relief of Lenin on the banner with the inscription “Guard”.
The signs produced at various industries differed markedly from each other. This state of affairs contributed to a large number of varieties of the sign. For example, the “Guard”, manufactured at the Shcherbinsky ShMZ NKPS, initially had a smooth banner panel. Then it was decided to put a fine notch on it so that the banner would sparkle. The notch was made in the form of dots, dotted lines, scales, in a column, in a checkerboard pattern, etc. The shape of the signs was round, oval, elongated, flat, convex, embossed, and so on. They differed from each other in the color of the enamel: from orange-red to dark cherry.
During the Second World War, the “Guard” badge was awarded in a solemn atmosphere, in a general formation, with the carrying out of the battle flag. Young recruits, distributed to guards units and formations, were awarded this honor after baptism of fire, and in aviation and the navy only after several combat missions or a campaign. This rule applied to both privates and officers.
Worn on the right side of the chest. When wearing orders and medals, the guards symbol is attached under them.
At the end of the Second World War, the “Guard” badge was awarded to military personnel as a symbol of encouragement at the end of the academic semester.
During the war and in the first post-war years, the “Guard” badge was worn even in cases where the serviceman served further in an ordinary, non-guards unit. By Order of the USSR Ministry of Defense No. 254 of November 10, 1961, the right to wear the badge was reserved only for the duration of service in guards units and on guards ships.
The difference between the wartime Guard badge and the post-war badge is that on the post-war badge the banner has a fringe at the bottom and is decorated with specific patterns under the banner.
On May 9, 1945, the title of guards was awarded to: 11 combined arms and 6 tank armies; horse-mechanized group; 40 rifle, 7 cavalry, 12 tank, 9 mechanized and 14 aviation corps; 117 rifle, 9 airborne, 17 cavalry, 6 artillery, 53 aviation and 6 anti-aircraft artillery divisions, 7 rocket artillery divisions; 13 rifle, 3 airborne, 66 tank, 28 mechanized, 3 self-propelled artillery and 64 artillery regiments, 1 mortar, 11 anti-tank fighter, 40 rocket artillery, 6 engineering and 1 railway brigade; 1 UR; in the Navy - 18 surface ships, 16 submarines, 13 divisions of combat boats, 2 air divisions, 2 anti-aircraft artillery regiments, 1 marine brigade, 1 naval railway artillery brigade, as well as a number of separate battalions and companies of various types of troops and special forces.
This term has other meanings, see Guard (meanings). Guard (Italian guardia security, protection) selected privileged part of the troops, selected military units ... Wikipedia
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guard- and, f. 1) Selected, best units of the troops. Naval Guard. Vladimir Dubrovsky was brought up in the Cadet Corps and was released as a cornet into the Guard (Pushkin). 2) transfer Leading proven figures on which page. field. The old guard. Veterans Guard... ... Popular dictionary of the Russian language
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Guard- (Italian guardia) selected privileged part of the troops. It was still in the slave era, and was most developed in Persia (10 thousand corps of “immortals”) and Rome (Praetorians). The term "G." appeared in Italy in the 12th century. and meant... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia
Soviet Guard- SOVIET GUARDS, units, ships, formations and associations of the Armed Forces. The SSS forces were transformed into guards for mass heroism, courage and high military skill shown in battles during the war. To G. s. also included parts... ... Great Patriotic War 1941-1945: encyclopedia
GUARDS- (from Italian guardia) selected, privileged part of the troops. Appeared back in the slaveholding. era; received the greatest development in Dr. Persia (10 thousand corps of immortals) and Rome (Praetorians). The term G. appeared in the 12th century. in Italy it meant... Soviet historical encyclopedia
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