Ed_Haynes

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:

And . . .

But it has been researched:

A broken, group (alas). I have only a solo Red Star, #3795082.

And a pretty single Red Banner. Awarded to Nikolai Andreiovich Lyashenko in 1970. For service in Egypt.

See: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=8387

A new guest has arrived. A single Red Star. "Just" a single Red Star.

Awarded to Colonel Nikolai Ivanovich Vavenko in 1981. Awarded in a city named Kabul. Award cards for an earlier Red Star, this, and a posthumous Homeland 3 are in hand, recommendations being sought.

See also: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=10376

William Spencer, Medals: The Researcher's Guide ([Kew;} The National Archives, [2006]; 224 pp.; ISBN 7-903365-63-5; ?19.99)

When ordering books, sight unseen, one is so often surprised. And usually not surprised positively. Catalogue descriptions often leave some details missing and I have often been disappointed when upwrapping the latest library addition. When I ordered this, I expected one of those old familiar PRO (now "National Archives" soft-cover pamphets such as "Army Service Records of the First World War" (by Fowler et al.).

Boy, was I ever surprised when Spencer's book arrived!

Spencer, a medal collector himself and military history specialist at the PRO for his entire career, has produced a book that is both phyically impressive (hardbound, coated paper, well illustrated in black and white and colour, filled with both examples of documents and eye-candy of medals) and immensely valuable. He surveys every award, avery era, and provides concrete real-world information on what records exist at the NA, with examples supported by case studies. We learn what records exist, how to get them, and how to use and read them; for example, the arcane mysteries of deciphering a WWII MIC card are explained in articulate and useful detail. While most of his focus is on awards of specifically "British" interest, there is more than enough here to satisfy collectors within the wider sphere of "the Empire". If, now, we had a companion volume for the India Office Records (presently incarcerated at the British Library), our research guides for UK-based research work would be complete.

Even if you have never worked and never plan to work personally at the NA, this is a must-have book. Knowing "what can be known" allows you to plan what is feasible. I would certainly not explore the computerised catagogue to the NA (which also allows online ordering of xeroxes or PDF files) without several hours spent in this book. Any first-timer at the NA would be, to put it bluntly, a fool not to consult this book before their arrival. And, speaking personally, I have worked there on a number of happy occasions and so wish that this book had been available before my first trip; even as a NA veteran of sorts, I am sure my next trip will be immensely simplified because of Spencer's work.

Simply put: A must-have book!!

C 01 -- Army Pin

The grandfather of them all, the first pin for the Mongolian Army, ca. 1921. This one, though in generally good condition, has been altered for sewing directly onto the uniform.

Wow! With a number that low, this could be a very interesting research project.

Well it stated, Militaria & History, Central Powers so I thought I was in the correct place, feel free to relocate if you want to Ed.

Kevin in Deva

I don't have those God Powers.

If we want to discuss Turkish awards, which I'd love to do, it is a much larger issue that their Great War era allegiances. Similar to the earlier silliness of discussing Japanese awards only as "Axis" awards.

Not all medals are valid only as they are linked to German medals.

Shouldn't this be in the international forum??

While this is totally ----

Our good friend Battushig reports from Ulanbaatar that he is the proud father of his first child, a daughter, born 29 October. All are doing well.

Congratulations, Bat!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Which error would that be Ed?

1776 (among others)

Pretty

Just to "bump" this, as there has been some parallel "Tammy-discussion" of late. Gets confusing when things are in disparate threads.

Kingdom

Kabul 1880 Medal

I have seen references that a medal was issued in 1880 to the defenders of Kabul against the British attack in the Second Afghan War. I have never seen it illustrated, but I think this may be it. The medal is 30 mm. This specimen is (obviously) badly worn.

Kingdom

Unknown

I do not even KNOW this is Afghan, but I think it is. Here it is anyway. The star is 65 mm.

Kingdom

Unknown

This has been seen described as the "Order of Independence", which it isn't. Whatever it is, this is the fourth class of it. The badge is 65 mm.

Kingdom

Nishan-i-Shujjat / Order of the Gallantry

Imperfectly documented. Here it is anyway. The star is 70 mm.

Kingdom

Nishan-i-Sardar / Order of the Leader

Created 1922 and also lapsed into obsolescence in 1973. In five classes plus two medals; these are those, silver and bronze (there MAY have been a gold medal also?). Medals 36 mm.