Ed_Haynes

All of this says much more about the mythic level to which York's feat has been elevated (thanks, Hollywood) than anything else. Interesting, though, I guess, . . . .

People can (and will) spin whatever tales they wish, especially if a sale (and no research) is in play. Await word from those who know ... Jeff ... hello ... Jeff ....

No, he dropped it for something (musically nasty) written by Pushkin, but had to restore the old one (but with new words).

Silver-gilt most likely, never looked "silver".

I got mine from Token Publishing (the Medal News and MYB folks), but the NA has it too.

Yessssss! Having "topped his (jump) class" in '67, where was he in Afghanistan?? Enquiring (and Inquiring) minds wanna know, NOW!

Not "yet", boss. What I show here is what I received from the previous custodian. His Excellency the Research Master has been contacted. If still living (born 1947?!) may not be centrally available.

Nice picture. A true shame the loonies want to keep these locked up in detention.

What has struck me -- both in awards and in the whole wider range of State symbolism -- is what seems to be a very conscious desire to return to an imperial set of symbols, to conjure a fake pre-revolutionary tsarist era. Fair enough, all states "market" themselves through their symbols, but I was struck by the vague unease that many I met in Moscow voiced to me about Tsar Vladimir III "Putin"'s conscious efforts at imperial symbolic rescurrection and historical denial.

Officer Candidate Aleksandr Pavlovich Burdin -- a simple unnumbered MMM and document, though researched and, I think, interesting. See: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=12358

And translation:

And reverse:

And recommendation:

Reverse:

And researched. Award card:

Award page:

Him, closeup and personal.

Interior:

In 1967, Officer Candidate received a simple Medal for Military Merit (unnumbered).

Another single Red Star to Valentin Nikolaiovich Kubasov, 1988, Afghanistan. See: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=12356

And translation of the recommendation: "Senior Warrant Officer V. N. Kubasov has been with the Limited Soviet Contingent in Afghanistan since 30 June 1986. During his course of duty with the 221th ___ as the satellite station technician he proved to be a politically knowledgeable, industrious, hard working, and educated warrant officer. He is an example of unexceptionable service and fulfillment of international obligation. To perform his duties he combines a high exactingness towards his subordinates and the care for their needs and requirements. Pays much attention to maintaining readiness of his combat duty post, maintaining the readiness of the weapons and equipment. Possesses technical knowledge. Able to find a quick way out under unconventional circumstances and to make reasonable and justified decisions. Thus, on _2 November 1987, when as the vehicle officer in charge he was driving to Hairaton to receive the load, the vehicle was assaulted by the insurgents but courageous and decisive Senior Warrant Officer V. N. Kurbasov, risking his life, fired back with his personal weapon and was able to pull the vehicle out of the firing. During his tour of duty in the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan he has already performed 22 sorties on the Kabul?Hairaton route." More research looms, but

Reverse:

And with recommendation for the Red Star:

And . . .

And a missing friend: