Medal Ribbon Help!

[Kozlov]

Genossen!

I am looking to put a suitable ribbon bar onto my Major of the Grenztruppen uniform... I have found a source for such items but am in need of some guidance with an appropriate medal selection.

I am not wanting anything heroic, just time served medals appropriate to the rank.

Its taken me years to get a grip with Soviet medal structure but DDR leaves me baffled!

I have been suggested maybe in general terms will include 2 to 4 True Service ribbons, 2 Meritorious Service ribbons, 1 or 2 Waffenbruederschaft ribbons, and possibly a 30 Year or 40 Year ribbon or equivalent. These are all standard decorations.

Any other advice from you lot who seem to know tons about DDR medals!

[Ralph P]

Kozlov - Your overall selection of medals you have selected is safe. At this time I am not sure what you mean about the 30 or 40 year ribbon???

If you want you could depending on the time frame you are aiming for add Verdienstmedaille der Grenztruppen or Medalle für Vorbildlichen Grenzdienst.

[Kozlov]

30 or 40 years of the DDR...

[Mike G.]

Ralph,

I suspect by 30 year medal, reference is being made to the 30 year NVA Anniversary Medal (Jubilaeumsmedaille), awarded to all that were active duty at that time - 1984.


Kozlov,

I suspect your Grenz Uniform is going to be of the Open Collar era, so your medal choice will be greatly expanded, in that from 1977 on .....

a). You'll be able to wear the Verdienstmedaille der Grenztruppen der DDR (these are very nice - they have the Frontier Grenz Post on them).

and;

b). You'll also be able to wear the Medaille fuer true Dienste in den Grenztruppen der DDR (instead of der NVA).