Marshal of the Soviet Union
| Marshal of the Soviet Union Маршал Советского Союза | |
|---|---|
Marshal's star – big | |
Uniform shoulder strap (1955–1991) | |
| Country | Soviet Union |
| Service branch | Red Army (1922–1946) Soviet Army (1946–1991) |
| Rank | General officer |
| Formation | 22 September 1935 |
| Abolished | December 1991 |
| Next higher rank | Generalissimo |
| Next lower rank | Army General Marshal of the branch |
| Equivalent ranks | Admiral of the Fleet Chief marshal of the branch |
Rank insignias of Marshal of the Soviet Union
Gorget patch
1935–1940
1935–1940
Gorget patch
1940–1943
1940–1943
Sleeve chevron
1940–1943
1940–1943
Shoulder board
1943–1955
1943–1955
Peaked cap
1945–1991
1945–1991
Marshal of the Soviet Union (Russian: Маршал Советского Союза, romanized: Marshal sovetskogo soyuza, pronounced [ˈmarʂəl sɐˈvʲetskəvə sɐˈjuzə]) was the second-highest military rank of the Soviet Union. It was de facto the highest rank because its superior rank, Generalissimo, was only applied to Joseph Stalin, who preferred to wear the uniform and insignia of a Marshal after World War II.
The rank of Marshal of the Soviet Union was created in 1935 and abolished in 1991 when the Soviet Union dissolved. Forty-one people held this rank. The equivalent naval rank was until 1955 admiral of the fleet and from 1955 Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union.