Hmm... we seem to have lost the old thread on this badge topic. Apparently lost due to image hosting changes. So to re-start:
In August 1939 the Imperial Japanese armed forces crossed Soviet borders for the second time in a year (as at Lake Khasan the previous year, for which see thread on THAT badge). The level of fighting was such that over 17,000 decorations for valor were bestowed, including 70 Heroes of the Soviet Union Gold Stars. Corps Commander Georgy Zhukhov made his "name" here for the first time.
On 15 August 1940 this badge was authorized as a campaign award, theoretically by the "independent" Mongolian People's Republic, but in all but name as a Soviet distinction.
This is the obverse of a "1940" or first model. there are minor differences with the "1945" or second model, most notable in the sky visible between the horse's rump and bottom folds of the flag, and in how the horse's mouth tucks against its chest and front hooves meet the ground. None of these are as important as the reverse.
In August 1939 the Imperial Japanese armed forces crossed Soviet borders for the second time in a year (as at Lake Khasan the previous year, for which see thread on THAT badge). The level of fighting was such that over 17,000 decorations for valor were bestowed, including 70 Heroes of the Soviet Union Gold Stars. Corps Commander Georgy Zhukhov made his "name" here for the first time.
On 15 August 1940 this badge was authorized as a campaign award, theoretically by the "independent" Mongolian People's Republic, but in all but name as a Soviet distinction.
This is the obverse of a "1940" or first model. there are minor differences with the "1945" or second model, most notable in the sky visible between the horse's rump and bottom folds of the flag, and in how the horse's mouth tucks against its chest and front hooves meet the ground. None of these are as important as the reverse.
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