Order of the People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR No. 25, January 17, 1943

Source: Tom 18

Order of the People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR

No. 25

On the Introduction of New Insignia for the Personnel of the Red Army — Shoulder Boards

By Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of January 6, 1943, shoulder boards have been introduced for the military personnel of the Red Army.

The shoulder boards of the Red Army are the insignia that have been known throughout the long history of the Russian army and are associated with the glory and valor of the Russian soldiers. The introduction of shoulder boards signifies the recognition of the great military traditions of the Russian people and serves as a symbol of the continuity between the modern Red Army and the glorious Russian military tradition.

The People's Commissar of Defense orders:

1. All personnel of the Red Army shall wear shoulder boards as of February 1, 1943. The wearing of collar insignia is terminated simultaneously.

2. The following types of shoulder boards are introduced: field (for wartime) and everyday (for peacetime and off-duty wear). The field shoulder boards shall have a khaki-colored base.

People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR

Marshal of the Soviet Union I. Stalin