Aviation cosmonaut of the German Democratic Republic
The honorary title of flying cosmonaut of the German Democratic Republic was a state award of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), which was awarded in the form of a medal. It was donated on March 13, 1978 by the State Council of the GDR . It could be awarded for outstanding achievements in participating in manned space flights that served the GDR and the well-being of all people. A high level of personal commitment, courage and boldness as well as excellent scientific and engineering skills had to be demonstrated. With the award of this honorary title, the entrusted received the title Hero of the GDR as well as the Karl Marx Order . As the only holder of this title, Lieutenant Colonel Sigmund Jähn was honored in September 1978 for his successful participation in the research program Salyut 6 ( Soyuz 31 / Soyuz 29 ).
Appearance
The gold-plated silver medal has a diameter of 36 mm and features a raised embossed five-pointed star on its obverse , on which a rocket can be seen vertically above the medal height . This is surrounded by stylized blue rays that reach skyward. In the center of the star, a pentagonal field has been formed, on whose hammer and compasses are located, which rest within a ring. This ring consists of a sickle and a curved ear. These elements together symbolize the national coat of arms of the GDR and the Soviet Union in friendly cooperation in the exploration of space. The reverse of the medal shows the embossed inscription: FLIEGER- / KOSMONAUT / DER DDR .
Carrying method
The medal was worn on the upper left side of the chest on a 34 × 13 mm golden clasp, which is crossed horizontally by a 10 mm wide sky-blue ribbon. A small hanging loop is attached in the middle of the lower protruding golden bar, at the opening of which the medal was hung.
Individual evidence
- ^ Frank Bartel, Jürgen Karpinski: Awards of the German Democratic Republic. Military Publishing House of the GDR , page 141