Hero of Socialist Labor (Герой Социалистического Труда in Russian, or Geroy Sotsialisticheskogo Truda) was an honorary title in the USSR and the highest degree of distinction for exceptional achievements in national economy and culture.

The title was introduced by the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on December 27, 1938. It was awarded by the Presidium to people, who had contributed their innovative ideas to the development of the Soviet industry, agriculture, transportation, trade, science and technology and promoted the might and the glory of the USSR.

The Heroes of Socialist Labor were awarded the highest decoration of the Soviet Union - the Order of Lenin - and given the certificate of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. In order to specially distinguish the recipients of the award, they introduced the "Hammer and Sickle" gold medal by the decree of the Presidium on May 22, 1940. This medal was awarded together with the Order of Lenin and the certificate. The medal is always worn in full, just like with the Hero of the Soviet Union medal.

Those Heroes of Socialist Labor, who had managed to attain new exceptional achievements, were awarded the second "Hammer and Sickle" medal. Traditionally, they used to construct a bronze bust of the Double Hero at his hometown to mark this occasion.

By September 1, 1971, 16,245 people have been awarded the title of the Hero of Socialist Labor (among them - 4,497 women), 105 people (among them - 25 women) have been awarded two or more "Hammer and Sickle" medals.

Only the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR could deprive a person of this title.