Mongolia General Suurin Baldan

[Bob]

p. 76.

The spring of 1937. One day the school commander announced that the students will be selected to take part in the military parade on May 1st in the Red Square. The rehearsal of the parade took two months. Out of 800 students who rehearsed for the parade only 200 were selected. Out of Mongolian students, Baldan, Damdarjaa and I were selected to participate in a parade.

[Bob]

p. 76.

Not long after the parade, it was time to graduate from the Political Officer’s course under the Military Political Academy of Lenin. The state exams included the party and political work in the military units, military tactics and some other subjects. Baldan, Damdarjaa and me graduated from the course with honors and were also awarded the ranks of Major.

[Bob]

p. 80.

I spent the summer of 1938 in Moscow. It was almost a year after my classmates graduated from the course and returned Mongolia. I was still assigned to the school to help with the new students from Mongolia. One day I visited the Mongolian Embassy in Moscow. There I unexpectedly met Baldan. Baldan told me that he was chosen to study at the Military Academy of Frunze but the academy ran out of the vacancies. Therefore, he was assigned to study at the Kharkhov Military Logistics Academy. Funny though, Baldan, who brought a mutton all the way from Mongolia, gave away most of it to his friends as soon as he arrived in Moscow. He had a sheep breast saved for me. We went to my place and cooked the breast. While enjoying the mutton, I was happy to chat with my friend and catch up on the news. Upon returning to Mongolia, Baldan was appointed as the Political instructor to the Baishant division and after a month promoted to a Chief of the Political Section of the Division. Later, on Marshal Choibalsan’s order, he was chosen to study at the Military academy in the Soviet Union. That’s why he is in Moscow now.

====================

More to come later...

[Bob]

To add to the story, a pic of Lhagvasuren (who was awarded a 2nd class Suvorov order for fighting the Japanese at Khalkhin Gol)

[Bob]

Major General Suuriin Baldan... later in his fateful life and clearly wearing his Soviet Red Star :cheers:

Edited October 6, 2010 by Bob

[Bob]

Here he is...

[Vatjan]

Impressive, how did a Major General manage to NOT have an ORCB or SB?

Thanks for the picture

Jan

[Bob]

Impressive, how did a Major General manage to NOT have an ORCB or SB?

Thanks for the picture

Jan

Good question. He was discharged from active military service in 1956 so a possible explanation could be that he left before the awarding of SB's became more liberal in terms of volume. Perhaps before that time, there were more strict criteria and he just didn't meet them (he was more a "non combat" than a "combat" guy it would appear). He was awarded a Red Banner of Labor (low number, <200) as can be seen in his award booklet and I hope to be getting details on this in the near future.

I expect to also be getting some interesting information on the two (very low numbered) SB's awarded to Sodnomdarjaa (i.e. the Russian Red Banner shown elsewhere on GMIC) which will maybe start to shed a light on what early SB's were awarded for. Will give a more complete picture of Sodnomdarjaa, although I don't have his actual SB's unfortunately. I do have a documented SB with nr 747 for which I'm also hoping to get more info soon so maybe that'll highlight a more "long service" kind of awarding?

Will have to wait and see (and keep fingers crossed!) - exciting times ahead for Mongolia enthousiasts, that's for sure! Could be that we're entering a new phase of expanding knowledge in this area which will really have a big impact!

[Bob]

Some interesting scans of Lhagvasuren's memoirs

[Bob]

[Bob]

Another photograph depicting Mongolian and Soviet Generals standing in front of the Government rotunda in July 1947. General Baldan is the second from the viewer's right (next to General Osor). Next to Baldan (third General from the left) is Lt. General J. Lhagvasuren. You can also clearly see Premier Choibalsan and President Bumtsend on the rotunda both wearing their awards. Would love to know more about the little kid there as well

On the second one, General Baldan saluting at the Military parade at the 1946October Revolution celebration in Ulaanbaatar. Baldan is standing to the viewer's far left in his fall/spring uniform. Next to him is General Damdinkhuu, followed by General Osor, Minister for the Internal Affairs General Shagdarjav and his Deputy General Dorj. You can also see Secretary of the Central Committee of MPRP Tsedenbal and some Soviet diplomats on the rotunda. They all stand in front of the statue of Sukhbaatar in the Sukhbaatar square.

[Bob]

Shared with me by a forum friend, an interview with the daughter of Colonel General Lhagvasuren here. The interview is in Mongolian but over the course of the interview you will see some photos. In one of the photos, you will see a group of Mongolian generals including Baldan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRGbSZ7V0zw

[Bob]

More here:

http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/36164-1920s-order-of-the-red-banner/page-1

In a thread about Sodnomdarjaa, who had received a 1920's Russian order of the red banner, interestingly enough Suurin Baldan was also mentioned in some research.

[Bob]

Here's something interesting... related to Baldan's Polar Star... but also highlighting Mongolian awards to Soviet "advisors"

Note also that Sukhbaatar Yanjmaa is the widow of Sukhbaatar

=====================

DECREE OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE STATE SMALL KHURAL

OF THE MONGOLIAN PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC

September 29, 1945. # 81, Ulaanbaatar

On awarding the leaders of the party and government for labor achievements during the war against the German fascists and Japanese militarists.

The Presidium of the State Small Khural decrees:

To award the following leaders of the party and government and Soviet specialists for exemplary fulfillment of the state and party assignments and in recognition of their labor achievements for strengthening the defense capability of the Motherland from the start to the end of the war against the German fascists and Japanese militarists.

One. The Order of the Red Banner of Labor Valor

1. Chairman of the State Small Khural Gonchig Bumstend
2. Secretary of the Central Committee of the MPRP Chimeddorj Surenjav
3. Secretary of the Central Committee of the MPRP Sukhbaatar Yanjmaa
4. Secretary of the Central Committee of the MPRP Dash Damba
5. Secretary of the Central Committee of the MPRP Bazar Shirendev
6. First Deputy Prime Minister Sonom Luvsan
7. Advisor of the State Planning Department A.M. Bajennikov

Two. The Order of the Red Banner of Combat Valor

1. Yu.G. Prihodov
2. N.B. Abramov
3. D.I. Sidorov

Three. The Order of the Polar Star

1. Deputy Prime Minister Badrah Lamjav
2. Deputy Prime Minister Mijid Ulziitogtokh
3. Deputy Prime Minister Suuri Baldan
4. Advisor to the Cabinet Akimov.

Chairman of the Presidium of the State Small Khural Bumtsend

Secretary of the Presidium of the State Small Khural Bayar

Edited March 9, 2014 by Bob

[Bob]

And here related to a later Polar Star awarded to Baldan

-------------------------------------

DECREE OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE STATE SMALL KHURAL

OF THE MONGOLIAN PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC

July 9, 1949. # 46, Ulaanbaatar

On awarding the officers of the People’s Revolutionary Army with Orders and Medals for long-service

The Presidium of the State Small Khural decrees:

In accordance with the Decree #16 dated March 16, 1947 and on the occasion of the 29^th anniversary of the Mongolian People’s revolution, to award the officers of the Ministry of Defense with the orders and medals for more than 10 years irreproachable service for the army.

One. The Order of the Red Banner of Combat Valor

1. Major General Genden Rendoo

2. Colonel Zagdsuren Dugar

3. Lieutenant Colonel Togoogiin Bathishig

4. Major Dashi Damdinjav

Two. The Order of the Combat Valor

1. Colonel Myadag Odsuren
2. Lieutenant Colonel Chimiddorj Haltarhuu
3. Lieutenant Colonel Damba Namsrai
4. Lieutenant Colonel Gombo Tserenjav
5. Major Genden Bandgai
6. Sergeant Gendejamst Senge-Ish
7. Lieutenant Colonel Sunrev Choidongavaa
8. Major Mahbal Orgi

Three. The Order of the Polar Star

1. Major General Suuri Baldan
2. Colonel Jadamba Davaasuren
3. Lieutenant colonel Ochirjav Choijiljav
4. Captain Ayush Dambiijantsan
5. Lieutenant Colonel Navaan Baasan
6. Lieutenant Colonel Tseren Jamba
7. Captain Sainhuu Janlav
8. Major Chimiddorj Ayush
9. Major Purev Sanduijav
10. Captain Yanjmaa Tserenlham
11. Senior Lieutenant Dansuren Batsengel
12. Major Namsrai Genden
13. Captain Purevdendev Tsedensonom

[Bob]

Award recommendation for the Order of Polar Star for General S. Baldan

==================

Award Recommendation

All questions must be provided with answers

Full name: Suuriin Baldan

Position, unit name: Chief of the Rear and Supply Department of Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Army

1. Date of birth: 1912

1. Nationality (Ethnicity) and Social origin: Khalkha and Herder

1. Year of mobilization to Army: September 10, 1933

1. Year of promotion to officer’s rank: November 1, 1937

1. Total length of service for the Army since the year of mobilization and July 11 of the year this form is being filled: 15 years, 8 months and 1 day

1. Membership: Member of the Party

1. Participation in war (the year, the length, the unit, the position and personal feat): Did not participate in war personally

1. Wounds/injuries inflicted during the war: No wounds

1. Write down the previous awards and state the justification for awards received:

1945-Order of the Polar Star for outstanding service at the rear of the Front

1946-Order of the Red Banner of Labor Valor for long-service

1945- Mongolian and Soviet Medals for Victory over Japan

1947- Honorary Medal of Combat

1. Native administrative unit: Bagh # 3, Tsagaannuur county, Selenge province.
2. Demobilization from the military service (If “Yes”, state the reason of demobilization and write down the date): Has never been discharged from the active military service
3. State, if any, sentences served (write down the years and months served and reasons of imprisonment) No
4. State, if any, years/months of temporary leaves from the military service (years/months/days):

Recommendation of the Unit Commander

Approval of Division Commander (signature)

Year: Month: Day:

Proposal from High Military Command:

Major General S. Baldan has been serving for political and rear and supply branches of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Army for 15 years. For his outstanding work as the Chief of the Rear and Supply Department, particularly in area of saving the economic resources of the nation, training new management personnel and reliably supplying the army, he deserves the Order of the Polar Star.

Deputy Commander of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Army and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Defense (signed on his behalf) Colonel B. Tsog

Chief of the Army Political Department Major General (signed) S. Ravdan

Chief of the General Staff of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Army (signed on his behalf) Colonel Siyanyambuu

July 2, 1949

[Bob]

More on Baldan, the award recommendation which led him to receive an Order of Combat Valor. This recommendation was sent to the higher military commend and subsequently would lead to an actual decree. Even long service awards apparently are not entirely automatic.

=====================

Award Recommendation

All questions must be provided with answers

Full name: Suuriin Baldan

Military rank: Major General

Position, unit name: Chief of the Rear and Supply Division of Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Army

According to the Award Regulation, recommended to be awarded the Order of the Combat Valor.

1.Date of birth: 1912

1. Nationality (Ethnicity) and Social origin: Khalkha and Herder

1. Year of mobilization to Army: September 10, 1933

1. Year of promotion to officer’s rank: November 10, 1934

1. Total length of service for the Army since the year of mobilization and July 11 of the year this form is being filled: 20 years, 9 months and 5 days

1. Membership: Member of the Party

1. Participation in war (the year, the length, the unit, the position and personal feat): Did not participate in war personally

1. Wounds/injuries inflicted during the war: No wounds

1. Write down the previous awards and state the justification for awards received:

1945-Order of the Polar Star for outstanding service at the rear of the Front

1946-Order of the Red Banner of Labor Valor for long-service

Mongolian and Soviet Medals for Victory over Japan

Honorary Medal of Combat

Order of the Polar Star

1. Native administrative unit: Bagh # 3, Tsagaannuur county, Selenge province.
2. Demobilization from the military service (If “Yes”, state the reason of demobilization and write down the date): Has never been discharged from the active military service
3. State, if any, sentences served (write down the years and months served and reasons of imprisonment) No
4. State, if any, years/months of temporary leaves from the military service (years/months/days):

Recommendation of the Unit Commander

Major General S. Baldan has modest and seasoned character. He enjoys respect of the people and colleagues. He has been excellently organizing the rear and supply service of the army. Comrade Baldan has broad real-life experience of organizing logistics of the army. He is active and dependable. He strictly ensures cost-saving principles among his subordinates and carries out the orders of the command on timely manner. His division received positive evaluation on the spring inspection.

Vice-Minister for Defense, Chief of the General Staff of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Army (signed) Colonel Siyanyambuu

Proposal from High Military Command:

The recommendation of the Vice- Minister commander is approved. We recommend him to be awarded with the Order of the Combat Valor for his 20-year service in the army.

Deputy Commander of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Army and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Defense (signed on his behalf) Colonel B. Tsog

Vice-Minister for Defense, Chief of the General Staff of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Army (signed) Colonel Siyanyambuu

Chief of the Army Political Department (signed on behalf) Lt. Colonel Lamjav

June 30, 1954

[Bob]

And here is the actual decree, which also lists Shadavtsoodol (posted elsewhere with his recommendation)

======================

DECREE OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE STATE GREAT KHURAL

OF THE MONGOLIAN PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC

July 28, 1954. # 85, Ulaanbaatar

On awarding the generals and officers of the People’s Revolutionary Army with Orders and Medals for long-service

The Presidium of the State Great Khural decrees:

In accordance with the Decree #16 dated March 16, 1947 and on the occasion of the 33^rd anniversary of the Mongolian People’s revolution, to award the generals, officers and enlisted officers of the Ministry of Defense with the orders and medals for more than 10 years irreproachable service for the army.

One. The Order of the Red Banner of Combat Valor

1. Lieutenant colonel Chimiddorj Haltarhuu

2. Colonel Myadag Odsuren

3. Sergeant Gendenjamts Senge-Ish

Two. The Order of the Combat Valor

1. Major General Suurin Baldan
2. Lieutenant colonel Tseren Jambaa
3. Lieutenant colonel Damdin Davaadorj
4. Lieutenant colonel Morhoo Janchivdorj
5. Colonel Navaan Baasan
6. Captain Luvsantseren Jambal

Three. The Order of the Polar Star

38. Captain Gundsambuu Biraa

39. Captain Nast Bazarsad

40. Captain Gursev Buyandelger

41. Senior lieutenant Naidan Luvsanshrav

42. Senior lieutenant Sampil Badarch

43. Major Butach Gendenpil

44. Major Tumur-Ochir Batsuuri

45. Major Avirmed Erdenetsogt

46. Captain Natar Dambii

47. Captain Orolmaa Sukhee

48. Captain Dendev Mijid

49. Captain Sandag Jamyan

50. Captain Magsar Mishiggavaa

51. Captain Damba Gungaa

52. Captain Muhulai Jamyan

53. Captain Mundag Tumurbaatar

54. Major Tsedev Sodov

55. Captain Sharavjamts Shadavtsoodol

56. Major Damiran Gombo

57. Captain Donoi Seded

58. Major Chimid Tserensambuu

59. Captain Dagva Tojilsuren

60. Major Borhin Zevgee

61. Captain Genden Jaltsan

62. Major Myatav Budjav

63. Major Buyandalai Saaraldai

64. Captain Nyam Suren

65. Sergeant Tuvaan Shagdar

Chairman of the Presidium of the State Great Khural Sambuu

Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of the State Great Khural Tsedev

Secretary of the Presidium of the State Great Khural Sharav

[Bob]

MG S. Baldan and Lt. General Lhagvasuren. Probably taken in 1946 or 1947.

[Bob]

Cross-reference here: OoR in this Ukaz likely had a serial nr range of 294-309

 

Hero and labour Hero of the Mongolian People's republic - Page 11 - People's Republic Mongolia - Gentleman's Military Interest Club (gmic.co.uk)