History

The I and II Class of Order of Kutuzov were established on July 29, 1942 by a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. The III Class was established on February 9, 1943 and has a separate statute. The order was designed by N.I. Moskalyov.

This Order was established as a high-ranking award for officers. It was named after the Russian Field Marshal Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov (1745-1813), who fought against Napoleon. The name was used to inspire Russian patriotism during the Second World War. Nearly all Orders of Kutuzov were conferred during the Second World War, however several were awarded for the 1956 invasion of Hungary.

The III Class medal was conferred upon regimental, battalion, and company commanders, as well as their executive officers, for a number of different criteria, which were: for displaying initiative in conducting a sudden attack that results in heavy enemy losses; for the capture of an enemy stronghold with minimal losses; for the organization and conduct of a pursuit operation against an enemy; for the destruction of enemy communication; for developing a solid battle plan with a successful outcome.

The Type I, III Class is made of silver and one piece. It is smaller than the I and II Class, measuring 26mm from point to point and 22mm from the center to any point. The small ring is a part o the order and is not a separately soldered ring. The suspension piece is marked with a Monetny Dvor mint mark. The reverse presents a large central dimple and the serial number is hand engraved at 5 o'clock. Serial numbers range from roughly 200-500.

The obverse Russian inscription translates to: "Mikhail Kuzurov".