Reddingsmedaille

The Rescue Medal (Reddingsmedaille) was a Russian decoration awarded in several classes for saving human lives. Tsar Alexander II first awarded the medal on 17 April 1828. New statutes were established in 1855 and 1866.

The round medal was struck in large and small gold and large and small silver classes. It was awarded to a person who risked their own life to save another, for example, in the face of mortal danger such as drowning.

The gold medals were awarded for especially noteworthy conduct.

The medal was worn on the left breast, suspended from the ribbon of the prestigious Order of St Vladimir, folded into a pentagon and, for repeated awards, bearing the special bow for a heroic deed. In Russia, such a vertically attached bow was worn on knightly crosses earned on the battlefield. Possession of such a bow brought the wearer great prestige. The bow is seen especially on the small silver medal.