Medals

No they didn't generally wear medals in combat, unless it was something quite prestigious. Plus you'd look a bit daft in those medals- look at the dates.

I actually have a Order of Glory medal 3rd class that needs a ribbon, I might put that on, think its the equivalent of the German EK2,

Steve.D

You need to look at the photo evidence more closely. Russian troops wore medals in combat.

Of course, there are various 'levels' of awards issued. Orders, Medals, and Badges

Orders were not typically awarded to soldiers. The Order of the Red Star was one that was. You'll see it quiet often on soldiers tunics. Same with the Order of the Patriotic War.
Medals were generally campaign medals and usually were worn by troops. You have to watch the award date, however. Some were issued quickly- the Stalingrad medal, for example, but many were not issued until late, or even after the war. You can find repros of most very cheaply.
Badges are another thing. Guards badges were worn by soldiers in Guards units. Best Soldier badges are later war, but common.

A short rule in our reenacting unit was you could wear three 'things' nothing above a Red Star, and nothing post dating the event. A simple rule, and kept the uniforms from looking like Georing's.

The trouble is 90% of wartime photos are staged for propaganda purposes. Soldiers would have undoubtly worn medals for those to show off their achievements but in the front line their wear would be much more limited. Its just one more thing to lose and potentially give your position away. Not to say it wasn't done as it undoubtedly was but its better to try an avoid looking like christmas trees if we're going for a front line impression.