Defence of the Kiev Medal

Date: 21st June 1961
Campaign: World War II
Medal Composite: Brass
Number Issued: 180,000

Established by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on 21st June 1961, it was issued in conjuction with the 20th anniversary of the German invasion. This was the only 'Defence of' medal issued after 1945. It was the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchov who had suggested a medal for the defence of Kiev, but Stalin could not be convinced. So he waited until he had control of the Soviet State before issuing the medal.
The Obverse of the medal depicts four individuals, a soldier, sailor, partisan and a women. All but the women are carrying bayonetted rifles. Behind them is the building of the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian Soivet Socialist Republic. The reverse shows the words "For the Defence of Kiev".