OREANDA-NEWS. November 02, 2009. Leonid Saplitsky, chief executive of a Leningrad Region pedigree livestock enterprise, was awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation. The President noted, when presenting Mr Saplitsky with the Gold Star decoration, that it was his courage that made it possible to save this big agricultural enterprise from being destroyed in a fire.

Renowned cardiologist and member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Yevgeny Chazov was awarded the Order for Services to the Fatherland, I degree.

Further 38 people were decorated with the Orders for Services to the Fatherland, II, III and IV degree, the Orders of Courage, the Orders for Military Services, the Orders of Honour, and the Orders of Friendship.

Mr Medvedev also presented certificates and emblems conferring honorary titles on teachers, doctors, scientists and members of several other professions.