Paul R

The Soviet undocumented ones go for about 500 dollars. What would this one go for?

This is the first documented example I have seen for a non Soviet member. I am envious.

That is a great idea. He is going to be busy if he lists EVERY decoration and award on that database, as he said.

Lovely bar. Is there an image of the reverse?

So he had no other awards or campaign medals authorized? At the very minimum, he had the VoG medal. Very cool stuff. Thank you for sharing it.

Very interesting examples. I have not seen any of these early versions before. Were they serialized?

There is no way all of those are his, legitimately. Notice the Afghan Medal on his right side(veiwers left). What was the blue wound stripe for? I have never heard of this one.

Beautiful grouping! Thank you for posting it. I love the wear and patina!

I have mixed feelings about this... I guess that we can still publically shame those who lie about their service time, as libel/slander laws can only be prosecuted if what is said is not true.

Did these men serve some liason duty in Europe?

Did the Legion have uniform regulations that cover tattoos and etc?

Yes! It is one great looking badge!

This is a great thread, Japan. Thank you for sharing it!

NICE!!! Can you do a closeup scan of the photo? Beamte candidates wore this combination as well. After the probationary period, they were given an Officer grade.

Does the actual award still look the same? Thank you for sharing this story.

Is it real? I thought that the family was firm about their desire to keep all of his personal effects.

I agree. I find it insulting the manner in which he was treated upon his return to the US.

Perfect insignia Larry!

Yes, it is the same Order. It just arrived in the mail! I am so excited about it. Here is a summary of the research: Captain Abkaryan Melik Pogosovich, born in 1905 in Kafan district of Armenia, communist party member since 1929, armenian. He served in Red Army from June of 1941 to July of 1946. Political officer of artillery division of 628 artillery regiment . Fought on Krim front, Voronez front and 1st Ukrainian front. Was wounded on 28 of Murch 1942 on Krim front. On the 8th of July 1943 the enemy began a massive artillery raid on division position, Abkaryan saved the staff and division artillery. Operating quickly and resolutely he evacuated the division by ravines to safe place. Awarded by OGPW2 by order #07/n of 38th Army artillery commander from 15th of February 1944 ( senior lieutenant at the time of the award)

Thank you Nick! I do appreciate it. So the ГОСТ is still making flags?

The bird looks Native American in origin.

That is beyond cool. Does it still work?

Thank you Nick. Can you please summarize in English? :)

Thank you for the detailed explanation. I will take a closer look when I get back home, on Thursday. Very interesting stuff.

Secpnd stamping.