Maria Bochkareva

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

Maria Bochkareva's greatest accolade is her place in history as the first Russian woman to command a military unit. This achievement was unprecedented and paved the way for future generations of women in the military. Her leadership of the Women's Battalion of Death, though brief, was a bold statement that women could fight and lead in combat. She has been honored in numerous articles and retrospectives, including a New York Times obituary in 2018, and her story continues to inspire adaptations in film and literature.

AwardsMaria Bochkareva received the Cross of St. George for bravery during World War I, one of the highest military honors in Russia. She is also recognized posthumously for her pioneering role as the first woman to command a Russian military unit, an honor that has been celebrated in historical retrospectives.

Honours & Distinctions

New York Times Overlooked No More

The New York Times·2018

An obituary series honoring historically significant figures who were overlooked at the time of their death.

Records & Feats

First Russian woman to command a military unit

Historic First·1917

Bochkareva became the first woman in Russia to lead a military formation when she commanded the 1st Russian Women's Battalion of Death in 1917.