Soviet Real Afganistan Memorial Star?

[Brian Wolfe]

Hello everyone,

I have started to add a few medals and badges to my collection from the former Soviet States. An item I purchased a couple of weeks ago was said to be a memorial badge (or pin) granted to participants of the campaign in Afganistan, 1979-1989.

The badge measures 45 mm (1 3/4 inches) from star tip to tip. It has a screw back fastener, that I didn't photograph. The enamel looks good to me and I rather liked it so I purchased it. A fool and his money?

These seem to be rather common but I was wondering if they were real at all or a fantasy item and if they are real were they issued by the government or a veteran's association?

What are your thoughts?

Cheers

Brian

[Ed_Haynes]

I believe this to be among the various veterans' badges (and medals too), issued quite unofficially after the Soviet withdrawal and, in many cases, after the demise of the USSR.

[Brian Wolfe]

I believe this to be among the various veterans' badges (and medals too), issued quite unofficially after the Soviet withdrawal and, in many cases, after the demise of the USSR.

Thanks Ed,

I'm flying blind in this (USSR) area so I don't spend a lot on items so that when I crash and burn it won't hurt too bad.

Cheers

Brian

[Guest Rick Research]

There does not seem to be any of the "buy your own" lunatic Imaginary Soviet Government symbolism, so this may be an actual current legitimate veterans' group piece. We may never know without seeing documents for this.

[Christophe]

Hi to all,

I have one of these stars. it is unofficial and presented as a veteran association badge. I have never seen (in Moscow) any doc corresponding to this star, even if it exists of course.

Cheers.

Ch.