Romanian Awards & Decorations

[John F.]

I find Romanian Awards from both the RPR - Romania People Republic (1947-65) and RSR - Romania Socialist Republic (1965-1989) period to be some of the more attractive of the former Soviet Bloc countries. Romania awards complete with their craftsmanship detail and use of enamel make them second only to the former Soviet Union in beauty and detail. So with that being said, I thought I would share some of more astatically pleasing and higher end awards. I have been collecting Romania awards for about three years and have found it difficult to research them due to the lack of available reference materials. I would also like to say that I am by far not an expert on the subject of Romania awards and decorations, so if in my descriptions I am incorrect please feel free to correct me. The awards will be posted in there proper order of precedence. Enjoy

[John F.]

Order of the Star of Romania - 4th cl

The Order of the Star of Romania 4th class. This one is from the RPR period and is a Type 2, Variation 1 (non-hallmarked). This was a political award and was presented to public, political, social, cultural leaders, ministers and diplomats, for great achievements in establishing and supporting friendly and amicable relations with Romania. In the center of the star is the Romanian state emblem. This award came in four classes.

[John F.]

The Order of the Star of Romania - 5th cl

Same as above but in the 5th class. This one however is from the RSR period.

[John F.]

Order of 23 August

The Order of 23 August - 1st cl. This award was created on 3 June 1959, as a reward for services rendered by civilian and military personnel in connection with the 23 August 1944 revolution when Ion Antonescu, Romania’s marshal and dictator was overthrown by King Michael in a coup d'état. The country then opened up to the Soviet Army, and declared war against Germany. The type of Service for this award included; political and scientific activities as well as military instruction, organization, leadership and acts of bravery during combat. This award came in five classes. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd classes being badges and the 4th and 5th being medals. This one is from the RSR period.

[John F.]

The Order of 23 August - 4th cl

The Order of 23 August -4th class. RSR period.

[John F.]

Order of Tudor Vladimrescu - 3rd Class

This is an Order of Tudor Vladimrescu- 3rd Class. The Order was created in 1966 and was a high level state award that came in 5 classes. It was awarded to persons who participated in the revolutionary fight for democracy freedom and socialism instauration. At the end of World War II, The unpopular Communist Party in Romania, which had fewer than 1,000 members but had the backing of the occupying Red Army were able to seize control and destroy every other political party; crush democracy and the rule of law; abolish the monarchy; suppress the political, financial, cultural, and military elites; and take control over industry and agriculture as collective property.

This Order embodies the revolutionary actions of Tudor Vladimrescu back in 1812. Tudor Vladimrescu (1780-1821), was a free peasants, born in the Gorjean Village of Vladimir, Romania. He was an Officer (1st Lt) in Russian Army, and fought in the Russian-Turkish war from 1806-1812. Tudor sought the overthrow of Turkish rule throughout the Balkans and organized and led a popular uprising in the Romanian principalities that evicted the Turkish government.

[John F.]

Order of Defense of the Fatherland

Order of Defense of the Fatherland -2nd class. This order was instituted on 23 July 1949, and was awarded to military, civilians and foreigners for outstanding service that added to the defense of Romania such as political or scientific activities as well as military planning and readiness. This award came in four classes with the 1st and 2nd class being worn as a breast badge and the 3rd class presented as a medal. Both pieces are a two-piece construction. This order could be compared to the Soviet; Order for Service to the Homeland.

[John F.]

Order of Defense of the Fatherland - 3rd class. RSR Period

[John F.]

Close-up of Order of Defense of the Fatherland -3rd cl. Note the nice enameling and craftsmanship. The little white specks on the enamel are not chips, but lint.

[John F.]

Order for Outstanding Service to the State -1st cl

Order for Outstanding Service to the State -1st cl was a Romanian Secret Police or Departamentul Statului Securitate (State Security Department) award,and was awarded to high level Securitate and Militia Officers who work assisted in the efforts to combat foreign and domestic enemies of the country. This award came in three classes.

[John F.]

Order for Distinguished Services in Defense of Social Order & Country

The Order for Distinguished Services in Defense of Social Order and the Country - 3rd Cl. I could not find a lot of information on this award but believe it was a longevity/faithful service award for high ranking/senior members of the State Security Department (Departamentul Statului Securitate). It also came in three classes.<O</O

[John F.]

Close-up of the Order for Distinguished Services in Defense of Social Order and the Country - 3rd Cl.

[John F.]

The Order of Work - 3rd class

The Order of Work - 3rd cl (aka: Order of Labor), was established on 29th April 1948, and was awarded to civilians and foreigners who in their work rendered special service to the Romanian people in the areas of production, science, culture, literature, art, education, and health care. This award was similar to the Soviet Order of the Red Banner of Labor. It came in 3 classes.

[John F.]

The Medal of Work

The Medal of Work was awarded to persons who distinguished themselves in cultural, artisitic or scientific activities. This award came in one class.

[John F.]

The next piece is an Order for Military Merit, 2nd cl. This was a fairly common longevity/faithful service award and was awarded for 15yrs of military service. It was established in 1965 and came in 3 classes.<O