Mongolia Khalkhyn Gol battle veterans awarded Hero Title!

[Bob]

The office of the President of Mongolia, Public Relations & Communications Division

www.president.mn

2009-08-24

http://www.president.mn/eng/newsCenter/viewNews.php?newsId=14

President Elbegdorj confers war veteran a title of “Hero of the state”

By the Decree of President of Mongolia, Tsakhia Elbegdorj, veterans of Khalkhyn Gol war (1939) were awarded with honorary titles and medals. Among them was Gungaa Dugaryn, veteran of 1939 Khalkhyn Gol battle, World War II, and 1944, 1947 battles of Western province, whom President Elbegdorj awarded with Hero of the State title, Order of Sukhbaatar, and “Golden Star” medal for his courage and selfless service to his country.

Order of Sukhbaatar was awarded to veterans, Damdinjav Tsagaany, Unenbat Jigmedyn, Suren Nyamyn; Order of Red Banner of Military Merit was awarded to veterans, Nyam Dendevyn, Jamyan Damirangyn, Tseveldorj Sodnomyn, Tsookhuu Sharkhuugyn, Genden Tamjidyn, Ayurzana Buniagyn; Order of Military Merit was awarded to veterans Laagan Ochiryn, Luvsanbazar Damdingyn, Sanjaa Shagdaryn, Demberel Doljingyn, Lkhamjav Surengyn, Naran Munkh-Ochiryn, Sumiya Ognongyn.

When addressing veterans, who fought for Mongolia’s independence and freedom, President Elbegdorj drew an example from the personal history of newly-awarded Hero of the State, Gungaa Dugaryn. He said “D. Gungaa is the pioneer and the leader of our courageous falcons, who fought for our country. In September 1939, in merely a month’s period, he carried out 158 battle flights, a number which counts as one the highest records set by combat pilots in the world warfare history. Moreover, he is one of the first combat pilots to fight in battles of western province, and a heroic patriot who put an end to the military confrontation with the Guomingdang force. Each and every one of you is a great hero, same as D.Gungaa, and your devotion, and patriotism will be remembered by our future generations and by the Government of Mongolia.”

[Guest Rick Research]

Were they ignored for Communist awards at the time? Or are all these in the nature of "still breathing" jubilee "decorations" DUPLICATING recognition?

70 years is too long to wait for a medal.

[Ed_Haynes]

A nice award. The old guys certainly deserve it and most Mongolians should be reminded of their history.