Soviet Honours and Awards

Soviet cosmonauts traditionally receive the highest Soviet awards for bravery following their spaceflights - usually the title of Hero of the Soviet Union with accompanying Gold Star Medal, together with the Order of Lenin. A second spaceflight merits the same in the awarding of the Order of Lenin.

Gagarin here smiling wears the Gold Star Medal of the Hero of the Soviet Union award on his left lapel and the Order of Lenin pin on his right.

Following Gagarin's return to Earth, he made a brief telephone call to Kruschev and then remained at the Cosmodrome for about 15 days before returning to Star Town.

Nikita Kruchev congratulates Gagarin on man's first space flight.

(The following is the actual transcript of the call.)

Kruschev: "So Gagarin, how was the ride?"

Gagarin: A little rough at first Comrade Kruschev, but after I left the atmosphere smooth sailing.

Kruschev: You are now a hero of the people, Gagarin.

Gagarin: Thank you Comrade Kruschev. The Cosmos shall serve the people. (i.e. Kosmos Boodet Sluzhet Lyudaam)

Hero of the Soviet Union

The title of Hero of the Soviet Union is the Soviet Union's highest honour and is made by the by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet for a personal or collective feat of heroism.The first seven men to receive the award were airmen who rescued the crew and passengers of the Soviet steamer Chelyuskin squashed in the Arctic Ice.

Gagarin receiving the title Hero of the Soviet Union by the new Presidium of the Supreme Soviet, Leonid Brezhnev.

Kruschev had been deposed to internal exile in the Black sea, the Soviets had recently invaded Czechoslovakia, 'The Thaw' was officially over and a few years after this handshake Gagarin too, would be tragically lost.