TacHel

I've managed to ID the badge worn by Lt-col Lebed on his R/H breast pocket (both on his combat and full dress uniforms). I first thought it might be a qualification insignia as worn by the other members of his unit but no, turns out it's a unit badge (see pic below).

Well, I've got good news and maybe not so good news... All 7 medals For Merit (the really nice highly enameled ones) are pretty easy to find in Russia. Matter of fact I'm looking at the full set for sale going for $455 (USD). Do you know anybody in Moscow that could purchase them for you? I have NEVER seen one for sale outside of Russia. Individually they average $65 (USD). As for the medals For Distinction (less enamels), the Border Management one pictured above is the only one I've seen for sale so far and also in Russia for $55 (USD).

This is another one of those new medals. Medal for Distinction in Border Management

The seven medals above are all "FOR MERIT". The FSB has now issued a second series but this time "FOR DISTINCTION" that pretty much matches the above medals in colour and sub-departmental affiliation. They have a bit less enamels but are still attractive. The ribbons match in colour and differ by the addition of a second narrow coloured stripe near the right edge. If the FSB follows the trend of other services, the medals For Merit would be bestowed to warrant-officers and officers and the medals For Distinction would go to soldiers, sergeants and master sergeants. I have yet to find their respective orders of institution though. If anybody has a link to FSB awards, I would be most grateful! Medal For Distinction in Counterintelligence

I found out a bit more about this officer for you. OK... I was curious too! His name is Anatoly Lebed, born 1963, joined the service in 1981 (wow, same years as me!). He served in Afghanistan in a helicopter regiment as a flight engineer, that's where he earned his 3 Orders of the red Star. He served for some years in Germany then retired to the reserves in 1994. In 1999, he went to the North Caucasus as a volunteer in the combined militias after purchasing his own equipment! When military ops moved into Chechnya, he went to Moscow and re upped in the service and got right back to the fighting. In 2003, while engaged in combat in the Ulus-Kert mountains, he stepped on a mine and lost a foot. His superior physical fitness allowed him to remain in the service with a prosthesis. In a subsequent battle, he was injured by multiple fragment wounds in the back while shielding his men from the blast of a rocket propelled grenade. Even wounded he continued leading the patrol leading to the capture and destruction of a terrorist base. He was awarded the Title of Hero of the Russian Federation on April 6, 2005 by Presidential Decree "for courage and heroism in the performance of military duties in the North Caucasus". He then held the rank of captain. In this picture following an awards ceremony, which explains the position of his newly received Order of St George 4th class, he is seen in conversation with the Russian President and Defense Minister. To his right are 2 officers of his unit who just received the Order of Courage. Behind him, one of his NCOs just decorated with the Cross of St George 4th class.

President Medvedev congratulating the highly decorated unit commander. On his left breast, the Lt-Col is wearing the badge of Hero of the Russian Federation, the Order of St George 4th class and no less than three Orders of Courage. On his right breast he is wearing three Orders of the Red Star (probably earned in Afghanistan), the Order For Service to the Homeland in the Armed Forces 3rd class, a Soviet Era Guards badge and his paratrooper badge. The silver-grey badge at center is unknown to me, possibly a special qualification badge?

The ribbon of the Order of Kutuzov clearly visible hanging from the regimental colours.

On April 4, 2011, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev awarded the Order of Kutuzov to the 45th Separate Guards Airborne (Spetsnaz) Regiment. The unit, which already had the sashes (ribbons) of the Order of Alexander Nevsky and of the Order of St George adorning its regimental colours, was presented the award as per the September 7, 2010 decree, for the successful execution of combat assignments, and for the personal courage and heroism of its members. . The personnel of the regiment participated in anti-terrorist operations in the North Caucasus, particularly in the Chechen Republic, and in operations in Georgia. From 1991 to 2010, this award belonged to the category of so-called "sleeping orders" because it was connected to the statutes and symbols of the Soviet Union. The aforementioned 2010 presidential decree, under which the Order was given a new appearance, aligns it with current Russian awards. President Dmitry Medvedev attaching the ribbon of the Order of Kutuzov to the regimental colours.

JUBILEE MEDAL 50 YEARS OF THE SPECIAL CONTROL SERVICE The enamel colour used in the wave can be blue or red, this is most likely due to different makers. I have found no written details on this particular variation.

The Special Control Service (Служба Специального Контрола) is a sub department of the Defense Ministry of the Russian Federation. Its function was to monitor seismological readings during nuclear tests. More recently, it has used seismology to monitor the ban on such tests ensuring compliance with international treaties. Its motto is "seismology in the service of defense". EMBLEM OF THE SPECIAL CONTROL SERVICE

Absolutely superb work! Congrats! I am so impressed with the ribbon devices. :jumping:

A very interesting development on this subject of lawful exportation of Russian ODMs. It would seem the Russian government (courts) have finally identified "ancient" as meaning 50+ years. Although I haven't found any written evidence of this, many Russian dealers and sellers in on line auction sites now accept to ship outside of Russia if the items are less than 50 years old. More and more Russian sellers are appearing on eBay and other auction sites. I personally have been dealing with multiple Russian dealers without problem for a few years now. The only problem is usually how to get the money to the seller, many are using a proxy on PayPal, that's how I've been dealing for a few years without the slightest hitch. (Knocks on wood).

#1 - FSB medal for Distinction in Border Management #2 - Def Min Commemorative medal for 50 Years of the Special Control Service 1958 - 2008 #3 - Medal for Veteran of EMERCOM #4 - MVD breast badge for 200 Years of Internal Troops #5 - Def Min breast badge for Excellence in Special (Military) Construction #6 - Def Min Decoration for Merit of Airborne Troops #7 - Def Min Decoration for Merit of Space Troops #8 - Def Min Decoration for Merit of Ground Troops #9 - Def Min Decoration for Distinction of Strategic Rocket Troops

Here is the same set now bearing 2 bars following his safe return for a second tour. His first tour lasted 6 months, the second 9.

This set from a senior NCO of the Royal 22nd Infantry Regiment (French Canadian) still bears the old clasp on the campaign star.

The Canadian South-West Asia Campaign Star has a new bar system replacing the initial "ISAF" clasp. These bars are misleadingly called "rotation bars". Canadians usually rotated every 6 months (180 days) but have only rotated every 9 months for the past few years meaning the number of bars cannot really denote the number of rotations but in reality, the number of days served in theater. The clasp at top is now defunct and no longer allowed for wear. The bar at bottom replaces it. The bar bearing 5 maple leaves is worn in lieu of 5 bars. The bars are presented in a black felt lined red cardboard box bearing the Canadian coat of arms (in gold) on the cover. The bars are lightly sewn to a length of ribbon. The star is awarded for 30 days service in theater. Each bar represents 180 days in theater. Each bar is denoted on the undress ribbon by a corresponding coloured (silver, gold or red) maple leaf device. Silver device for 1 bar, gold for 2, red for 3, a red and a silver for 4, a red and a gold for 5 etc. The system is presently set up for recognition of service in theater for up to 1110 days.

As attractive as they are, these are unfortunately quite unofficial items and are mass produced for the collector market. There is a huge market in Russia for anything "naval". The badge is readily available on the Russian market and on Ebay at prices ranging from $12 to $25.

What can I say except... WOW!! Congrats on an awesome acquisition!

The end of civilization as we know it... Who's next? Borat?

I can only hope, actually pray that "Conan the Californian" got the LoH for work as the Governor of California in conjonction with the French government and that this wasn't in recognition of his movie fame... Get down! Look out! Asta la vista baby! Peeeeeeelllllllleeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasee! :rolleyes:

The helmets were found in a concrete bunker?

I agree with Kev. Looks like somebody welded together parts from different badges... French aéronavale brevet's wreath usually represents a rope (cordage)... Maybe a wartime home made badge?

Just gorgeous! Beautiful examples! Thanks for sharing.

Really nice! Great conversation piece! Thanks for sharing.