It was conferred upon individuals or groups for services furthering communism or the state, or in enhancing the defenses of the Soviet Union, military and civil.

The insignia of the Order consisted of a badge, which was a red star with golden rays between the arms; at the centre was a pentagon bearing the image of the cruiser Aurora participating in the October Revolution.

Above this was a red flag bearing the words "October Revolution" in Russian.

The badge was worn on the left chest with a red ribbon bearing five blue stripes at the centre.

Military units and institutions receiving the award applied the order name to their title upon its reception.