Figure 5: Hero of Socialist Labor document hand-signed by Nicolae Ceausescu.

Figure 6: Obverse (left) and reverse (right) of the tombac RSR version of the decoration awarded to a Heroine Mother.

20 JOMSA REPUBI.ICA SOCIALISTA CONSILIUL DE STAT

CONFERA DIPLOMA SI TITLUL DE MAMA EROINA

Figure 7: Document awarded to a Heroine Mother

Figure 8: Obverse (left) and reverse (right) of the unhallmarked, silver-gilt version of the decoration presented to a Hero of the Romanian Socialist Republic.

Vol. 55, No. 5 21 Hero of the Romanian Socialist Republic with illegible gold mark. Pin has what looks like a "3" in front of it with a separate The Title "Hero of the RQmanian Socialist Republic" illegible mark. (Erou al Republicii Socialiste Romania) was established May 6, 1971 and implemented by Decree 166, Buletinul 20- issued in silver gilt, brilliants,and simulated Oficia156, by the State Council. It was the highest award ?uby: not hallmarked. (Figure 8). of the Romanian Socialist Republic after 1971. According to Article 3 of the Decree, it was awarded to 50- authorized for issue - actual number issued military and civilian personnel who have exhibited unknown - tombac, brilliants, and simulated extraordinary merit in the realization of the internal and ruby. external policy and politics of the in the defense of the fatherland and the Approximately 20 unissued prototypes were revolutionary deeds of the Romanian people in the work manufactured before a last minute change in shape to of building of Socialism. the official issue (Figure 9). The only document observed was unsigned to Nicolae Ceausescu. (Figure 10) The decoration to identify the Title was a five-pointed beveled tombac star 47mm in diameter with the center circular medallion containing the emblem of the country being surrounded by a 3ram band containing 22 brilliants. The star was suspended by a 5ram g01d ring which was connected to the top star point and attached to a gilt "U" shaped bar 44mm x 10ram. The bar had a 6mm center portion containing a simulated ruby. A brooch pin on the reverse of the bar provided the fastening device.

The Title and decoration could be awarded more than once. The Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu was granted the award three times. Along with the decoration and case, the recipient was presented with a two page document from the President of the Romanian Socialist Republic which was contained within a red leather tube. The decoration was worn on the left side of the chest of a civilian coat or dress and the left side of the chest of a military uniform, above all other distinctions. Recipients of the Title also receive the Victory of Socialism Order ( Ordinul Victoria Socialismului).

Insignia Variants and Approximate Number of Awards Authorized

issued in gold, diamonds, and ruby - three Figure 9: An unissued prototype of the Hero of the to Nicolae Ceausescu and two to Elena Romanian Socialist Republic. Ceausescu - hallmarked. Victory of Socialism Order issued in gold, diamonds, and simulated ruby - , , The Victory of Socialism Order was established May 6, Russian Cosmonaut Leonid Popov, Roman- 1971 and implemented by Decree 167, Buletinul Oficial nian Cosmonaut Dumitru Prunariu, and 56. Although it was awarded along with the Title of Avram Bunaciu-hallmarked. Hero of the Romanian Socialist Republic, it could also 10- issued in gold, brilliants and simulated ruby, be awarded separately to people who had brought an hallmarked "MS" on gold ring at top of star important contribution to the work of construction of the socialism, the defense of the fatherland and the

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