85 years ago, the defense of Dnipropetrovsk (Dnipro) and the surrounding region began, which lasted until September 29.
On August 12, 1941, Wehrmacht units entered the territory of the Dnipropetrovsk region. Soviet troops – specifically the Reserve Army (later reorganized into the 6th Army) and the 28th Cavalry Division under the command of Colonel Leonid Sakovych and Major Borys Krotov – held back the advance of significantly superior German forces. Fierce battles raged on the approaches to the city (Sursko-Lytovske direction, Krasnopillia) and directly for control over the bridgeheads on the left bank of the Dnipro River.
The battles for Dnipropetrovsk lasted from August 19 to August 25. On August 25, after a fierce defense, the right-bank part of the city was occupied by German troops. However, the confrontation for the left bank of Dnipropetrovsk and its surroundings continued until September 29.
The release of the badge "Participant in the Defense of Dnipropetrovsk" was timed to coincide with the 35th anniversary of the defense of Dnipropetrovsk. It was awarded to veteran participants of those battles, as well as to delegates of commemorative meetings.
The commemorative badge is crafted in the shape of a shield, symbolizing resilience and defense. The center depicts a Soviet soldier wearing a helmet (SSH-40) and holding a Shpagin submachine gun (PPSh-41) against the backdrop of a red flag. The lower part features stylized waves of the Dnipro River and the Amur Bridge. Circled along the border is the text in Russian: "Participant in the Defense of Dnipropetrovsk. 1941. August–September 1941."
The most likely manufacturer is the Dnipropetrovsk Research and Experimental Plant (DOEZ), as most mass-produced badges dedicated to the landmarks and events of the Dnipropetrovsk region were struck directly at this local enterprise.