Ed_Haynes

Thanks, Paul. Though, actually, I have been able to get several groups (and singles). They're scattered around in this sub-forum. For example: -- Colonel Leon Aleksandrovich Gaylish. See: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=26265 -- Senior Ensign Anatoli Zakharovich Basovich. See: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=11060 -- Private Nikolai Aleksandrovich Popovskii. See: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=11063

Like everyone else, not much new of late, either things or research. Here is a new group that combines both things and research. Sergeant Oleg Alexandrovich Baklan, 181st Motorized Infantry Regiment, 108th Motorized Division, 40th Army, Turkestan Military District See: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=32779

A nice breeding population. Hope they have babies.

Lovely. Welcome to a new addiction.

Sorry 1- this forum is unavailable to non-members (and, so, of no use here) and 2- I am not a member, having been once again banished for not sharing their ideology.

Thanks, Rick and Chuck. And it all sounds very familiar . . . . Plus ?a change, plus c'est la m?me chose.

As always, all wisdom and comments appreciated. The (very) limited translations I gave above are all I have, but they sketch out the big picture.

And, finally . . . .

The papers and shuffled.

Part 2, with translation. Red Star # 3774119, by order of Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR from 21 March 1986 Red Star Recommendation In Democratic Republic of Afghanistan since March 1984. During this time he took part in ten large-scale mission aimed at destruction of rebel bands. Personally cleared and destroyed 238 of enemy IEDs. While doing that he showed personal courage, bravery and sensible initiative. On October 4, 1985 while being the head of weapon hideout search group Sgt. Baklan was working on area demining and found a sizeable enemy weapon depot with large amount of munitions and medical supplies. The most valuable trophies captured in that hideout were two anti-aircraft guns and one recoilless rifle. For personal bravery and courage well beyond the call of duty Sgt Baklan deserves to be awarded with order of the Red Star.

And the recommendation, part 1.

The reverse.

And award record card 2.

And.

Up the chain of command.

Part 2. With translation: Military Merit Medal w/o #, by order of Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR from 23 April 1985 Military Merit Medal Recommendation In Democratic Republic of Afghanistan since March 1984. During this time he took part in four large-scale and eighteen small-scale combat missions (aimed mainly at intelligence data verification and escorting of various convoys), where he proved to be courageous and stirring soldier. On November 11, 1984 while being a member of the advance squad Junior Sergeant Baklan despite great risk to his life under enemy fire cleared a part of the road by disabling one large IED and four anti-tank mines. As a result of that the convoy was able to proceed, escaping the area of strong enemy fire. For bravery and courage shown while on the international friendship mission helping brotherly Afghani people Jr. Sgt Baklan deserves to be awarded with Military Merit medal. November 12, 1984 Regimental Commander, Lt. Col. Rozhkov

The MMM recommendation.

The reverse.

Award record card 1, obverse.

Not much to show in these dark, hungry days, but a researched (but undocumented) group. Just in. Happy holidays to me! Ukrainian, born 1965, in the Soviet Army since 1983. Sapper, assistant platoon commander, 181st Motorized Infantry Regiment, 108th Motorized Division, 40th Army, Turkestan Military District. Red Star #3774119, MMM unnumbered.

Quality of manufacture and condition seems more common for later awards. Wartime awards were quite nice. But just a guess.

I would guess well post-WWII, 1970s or later. The ribbon and design changed in 1936 after all. Despite the name, it is still awarded. A very nice specimen, in good condition.

I might add that, as the regiment remained in India in 1947, there is some chance that, within a couple of years, it may become possible to get more information on Surjan Singh, if (as hoped) records are transferred from the regiment to the Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research. The CWGC records (far from complete) do not show him as a KIA in WWII. The battalion served in India and Burma.

Looks like some sort of school prize medal. Certainly nothing in any way official.

Worth adding that these are images from the German Federal Archive, 1820-2006. Just so you know whether it fits your interests.