Ed_Haynes

People's Democratic Republic Medal For Excellent Service Similar to the Soviet Medal for Combat Service (sic). The medal was founded 24 December 1980 and was awarded to military men who in the struggle against enemies of the Afghan state exhibited skilful actions and initiative involving risk for life and who promoted the success of combat operations. This medal was also awarded to foreign citizens.

People's Democratic Republic Medal for Gallantry Similar to the Soviet Medal for Bravery. The medal was founded December, 24, 1980. The medal was awarded to military men, volunteers, and foreign citizens for courage, stability(resistance), and gallantry in fights with enemies of Democratic Republic Afghanistan. The award presumably became obsolete with the collapse of the PDRA in 1992.

Interior spread:

With Afghan document to Ravil Andulbiarovich Abdulin, dated 2 July 1987. July 1987: From 15 January 1987, there was a six-month ceasefire declared against the Mujahadeen, but this was rejected. Significant action during this period in Kunar, Laghman, Nangahar, Logar, and Pakhtia Provinces, along the northern route toward the Salang Tunnel (especially on 21 Feb near Puli Khumari, Baghlan Province), in/on the Shomali Valley and Plateau, and along the Circular Road near Maimana (Heart/Mazar-i-Sharif). May-June, fighting at Kandahar, and June 1987, battle of Ali Khal. In May 1987, Babrak Karmal was arrested, and replaced in Sept by Mohamed Najibullah. Outside:

People's Democratic Republic Medal for Distinguished Military Service Similar to the Soviet award of the same name.

Inside spread:

With certificate to Vladimir Yurevich Loginov, 20 April 1987. April 1987: From 15 January 1987, there was a six-month ceasefire declared against the Mujahadeen, but this was rejected. Significant action during this period in Kunar, Laghman, Nangahar, Logar, and Pakhtia Provinces, along the northern route toward the Salang Tunnel (especially on 21 Feb near Puli Khumari, Baghlan Province), in/on the Shomali Valley and Plateau, and (though mostly after this date?) along the Circular Road near Maimana (Heart/Mazar-i-Sharif). Known to have been major actions in Nangahar in April which resulted in the killing of 50 Soviet troops and the capture of 28 (this seems quite likely?). In May 1987, Babrak Karmal was arrested, and replaced in Sept. by Mohamed Najibullah. Outside:

People's Democratic Republic Order of Gallantry Awarded for gallantry, roughly equivalent to the Soviet Order of the Red Star (as the design might suggest?). Established 29 October 1985. The award presumably became obsolete with the collapse of the PDRA in 1992. These came in two varieties, (1) 1985-87, with an open book as part of the central design (shown below), and (2) 1987-92, without the book (which I don't have -- yet). Numbered 1247 on reverse.

But things were soon to change . . . People's Democratic Republic Order of the Red Banner Established 24 December 1980. Roughly equivalent to the Soviet award of the same name. The award presumably became obsolete with the collapse of the PDRA in 1992.

OK, a momentary break from the medals of the kingdom. Republic Medal for the Foundation of the Republic, 1973 One of the few medals of the short-lived republic, July 1973 to April 1978.

Kingdom Buzkahshi Medal, 1335 To the winner of buszkashi match (see the film "The Horsemen" or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buzkashi if you wish more information) held in honour of visit of the Shah of Iran to Afghanistan in 1957.

Kingdom Honar (Art ) Medal (1960-73) Also made by a firm that familiar to some, Deschler und Sohn, M?nchen.

Kingdom Wartia (Merit) Medal (1960-73) Came, obviously and apparently, in at least two classes. Made by a firm that may be familiar to denizens of other fora here, Deschler und Sohn, M?nchen.

Kingdom Tetschdatat (Trade) Medal (1933-60)

Kingdom Ma'aref (Education) Order (1960-73) This, apparently, came in two classes/types?

Kingdom Service Medal, Muhammad Zahir Shah (r. 1933-73)

Kingdom Independence Medal 1309 Extremely tentative identification. For Afghanistan's "independence" in 1931?

Kingdom Loya Jirgah 1343 Medal Awarded for the 1965 (C.E.) Loya Jirgah. A Loya Jirgah is a large tribal assembly to approve or make policy; the term can, perhaps, be glossed as "parliament". The legend makes that much clear. Beyond that, . . . ???

A few more . . . Kingdom Northern Rebellion Campaign of 1930 For the suppression of the Habibullah Khan "Bacha-i-Sawaq" rebellion of 1929/30. This may be an officer's star?

I think it is pretty clear: --- all duplicate ("Д") awards are items that demand caution and care; --- duplicate ("Д") campaign awards are fantasy. Does that pretty much sum it up?

Ansolutely! The higher classes of the Kingdom awards (especially in the 1930s and again in the 1950s-60s), were European made or Indian made, but most other stuff was locally produced. Will be posting more, kingdom, republic, and PDRA.

NA = [british] National Archives (the archive previously known as the Public Record Office) at Kew http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/

What was "combat" seems to have been a funny thing in Afghanistan: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=11063 http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=11060 And, when we know more that we do presently: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=10376 All my "guests"

Architecture (again)? Not medals?? Not even militaria??? Sure I don't know!!!!

Thanks, Jim. But it isn't "me" or "my collection" -- it is the people whose medals (and history) I have as my temporary guests, until (and I hope a long time off) they move on to other hands. This is why we OWE these things and PEOPLE our efforts at RESEARCH!