"Gratitude" Certificates.

McLenin · 08-20-2002, 01:33 PM

Does anyone know anything about these?

Hi All
Here are a couple of “To the Participants in the battle for… “ booklets. First is for Budapest the second for Vienna. What are these? Both of these ones came with a group that included the medals for Budapest and Vienna, but in both cases the medal award cards are a bit suspicious (see new thread “Suspicious award cards” in Fakes section), but most of the group has researched OK (it had a couple of additions but the genuine awards researched well). His service record shows that he was located on the 3rd Ukrainian Front from October 1944 - May 1945 so he could have been in both locations, I think.
I am as sure as I can be that the two documents pictured here are genuine.

Are these common items? I have never seen any others. Were they given out to participants in battles for all major cities, or only to ones where medals were issued. Anyone got any more pictures? All information gratefully received as ever.

Thanks

McL

Vienna

Budapest

Nota Bene · 08-20-2002, 09:11 PM

McLenin,

These are variations of the Soviet WWII "You Did Good" certificates. I have seen them in all sizes and shapes, and for different operations. During the war units, that distinguished themselves, received collective commendations from the Supreme Commander, and rank and file were given those certificates. Some of them are very nicely designed.
Alexei

otlichnik · 08-26-2002, 04:15 AM

I suspect (any thoughts Alexei) that these may have been issued to people who could not or did not get medal in the field. Sort of proof you were there and something to make it easier to get the medal later???

Shawn

Nota Bene · 08-26-2002, 11:20 AM

Shawn,

I think they are independent from the medals, because there are many certificates for "minor" operations, that did not deserve a medal, like crossing Order, etc. I have also seen groups that had both those certificates and the medals, i.e. Koenigsberg, Budapest, etc.

Alexei

jockeahl · 01-27-2003, 03:01 PM

Hi!

This is my fist post here, so I hope someone can help me with this.

(Thanks Kim for all the other translations.)

otlichnik · 01-28-2003, 04:17 AM

This is an award paper (a form of gramota) given to participants in a specific battle. They really only appear in 1945 when the Red Army began to have the luxury of time and resources to do this sort of thing. Most I ave seen have mice drawing at the top.

It is to Comrade Petr Vasilevich Ivanov for participation in the battle to seize Gdansk/Danzig from the Baltic Fleet. I guess Ivanov was a sailor or naval infantry.

Shawn

Dave · 04-08-2003, 05:06 PM

Here's a very interesting document awarded to the 'liberators' of Belgrade. Judging from the names inside, I would bet that it was probably only given to senior officers and unit commanders (I would doubt it was awarded to everyone, purely from the expense and effort of producing them on the front.) The awardee of this document was the commander of an independent sapper battalion involved in the battle.

Enjoy!

--Dave

Nota Bene · 04-08-2003, 07:12 PM

Dave,

I've seen this one before, and it was also to an officer.

Alexei

Dolf · 05-19-2004, 10:48 AM

Gentlemen,

What is your opinion on this certificate?

How much would be a fair price for such item?

Thank you.

Dolf

Eugene · 05-19-2004, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dolf

Gentlemen,

What is your opinion on this certificate?

How much would be a fair price for such item?

Thank you.

Dolf

Fair price is $5-10

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08-20-2002, 09:11 PM	#2
Nota Bene Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: New York USA Posts: 2,296	McLenin, These are variations of the Soviet WWII "You Did Good" certificates. I have seen them in all sizes and shapes, and for different operations. During the war units, that distinguished themselves, received collective commendations from the Supreme Commander, and rank and file were given those certificates. Some of them are very nicely designed. Alexei

08-26-2002, 04:15 AM	#3
otlichnik Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Canada Age: 56 Posts: 547	I suspect (any thoughts Alexei) that these may have been issued to people who could not or did not get medal in the field. Sort of proof you were there and something to make it easier to get the medal later??? Shawn

08-26-2002, 11:20 AM	#4
Nota Bene Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: New York USA Posts: 2,296	Shawn, I think they are independent from the medals, because there are many certificates for "minor" operations, that did not deserve a medal, like crossing Order, etc. I have also seen groups that had both those certificates and the medals, i.e. Koenigsberg, Budapest, etc. Alexei

01-28-2003, 04:17 AM	#6
otlichnik Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Canada Age: 56 Posts: 547	This is an award paper (a form of gramota) given to participants in a specific battle. They really only appear in 1945 when the Red Army began to have the luxury of time and resources to do this sort of thing. Most I ave seen have mice drawing at the top. It is to Comrade Petr Vasilevich Ivanov for participation in the battle to seize Gdansk/Danzig from the Baltic Fleet. I guess Ivanov was a sailor or naval infantry. Shawn

04-08-2003, 07:12 PM	#8
Nota Bene Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: New York USA Posts: 2,296	Dave, I've seen this one before, and it was also to an officer. Alexei

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