Ministry Of The Armed Forces Military Soldiers' Booklets.

[CtahhR]

The Ministry Of The Armed Forces (Министерство Вооруженных Сил СССР) existed between 15th March 1946 and 25th February 1950 and for that rather short period they issued the "Soldier's books".

This example was issued to 1903 born Artillery Sergeant Nikifor Kirilovich Balan. A worker and Member of the Party from July 1943 . Born in Balanovka (must be a family stronghold) in Odessa Oblast and educated to 4th Class.

Originally conscripted by Bershatsk Regional Military Commissariat of Odessa Oblast in September 1925 to the 51st Cavalry Regiment.

Serving as a Rifleman in the 19th Guards Rifle Division 25th July 1941 to June 1943.
Serving as a "Chemical Trooper" in the 559th Rifle Regiment June 1943 to 24th June 1945.

Put into the 153th Army Reserve Regiment on 24th June 1945 and demobilised 27th July 1945.

Light wound in the spine (know how that feels!) on 25th March 1942.

Awarded with a Red Star on 25th June 1945, For Defence Of Leningrad and For Victory Over Germany.