1945 Japanese War-Veterans or Not?

[kabanchik]

I have a question for the forum: Would an individual who ONLY served in the Soviet Army during the brief campaign against Japan in August 1945, be considered to be a Veteran of the Great Patriotic War, and therefore entitled to wear the 30th and 40th anniversary medals "to a participant in the war", or does " Great Patriotic War" refer ONLY to the struggle against Germany?:confused:

[Ed Maier]

I believe that the answer is yes. He would be a veteran of the Great Patriotic War. I believe, and please correct me if I am wrong, that all veterans of the Red Army received a Victory over Germany Medal in 1945, but only those that actively fought the Japanese received the Victory Over Japan medal. All of the groups that I have seen bear this out as true. They would then reveive the later jubilee medals.

Ed

[Nota Bene]

Ed,

You are absolutely right, everyone who saw some action during the Great Patriotic War, of which the War against Japan was part of, is considered a war veteran and is entitled to Victory anniversary medals. The regulations state that anniversary medals are awarded to those who where in the Soviet Armed Forces during WWII.
Alexei

[kabanchik]

Well, I can't argue with that. I think we have a definitive answer! Thanks, Alexei and Ed, for assistance in clearing that up. I do appreciate it.
Bill

[Alexscl]

Hi all

My grandmother servered at the General Staff of 25 Army in August 1945. She took part in actions in Mongolia and Korea only. She awarded medal "Victory over Japan" and has ALL jubilee medals for veterans of war (20,30,40,50, Jukov) and special documents as a veteran of Great Patriotic War.

By the way ALL soviet soldiers who had ONE medal at least (often it was "Victory over Germany" only) are veterans.

Alex

[otlichnik]

Alexei and Ed,

Read over the full post. I can't agree with Ed. All veterans did not recieve the V.o.Germany medal unless they were in the military in Europe. As in the example Alex gives of his grandmother (tell us more about her PLEEEASE Alex - duties, photo, etc.) those who only saw action in the East only got the V.o.Japan medal. I too have seen several sets with only V.o.Japan.

However, if you got ether (or both) VoG and VoJ you could get anniversary medals.

I am sure this is what you guys meant but I thought it read wrong as is, so for posterity .....

Shawn

[Nota Bene]

Shawn,

I believe the question was if a recipient of VoJ Medal would be entitled to Victory anniversary medals, and the veteran's status. I believe that this is true, even if this person doesn't have VoG Medal.

Alexei

[Ed Maier]

Shawn,

I'm sorry but I believe that if you served in the Red Army, you got the VOG medal, no matter what. You did not need to have served in Europe. I have seen multiple researched groups where the person was stationed in the Far East for the whole war and had both medals. While I am sure there are exceptions to this rule (everything dealing with the USSR has an exception) I am almost sure this is correct.

Either way, all veterans were eligible for the Victory Anniversary medals.

Just my opinion,
Ed

[Alexscl]

Ed - you are right!

My grandfather was a guard colonel of Red Army. During all GP war he served at Far East as a commander of 1635 artillery antitank regiment - the 35 Army - the 1st Far East Front.

He awarded 1 Red Banner for actions in Mongolia and Red Banner , Red Star and Lenin for long service in Red Army. He have never served in Europe but awarded 2 medals - VoG and VoJ.

My grandfather's awards:

Red Star ¹ 875 893 02.11.1944

Red Banner ¹ 250 492 Order ¹ 0162/í - 31.08.1945

Red Banner ¹ 237 691 30.04.1947


I think the reason was that he made an important contribution to Victory - prepared a lot of officers for Red Army.

Alex

[otlichnik]

Ed,

Well we all agree that any V.o. medal makes you eligible for anniversary medals. That is also spelled out in the regs.

What do the regs say on the VoG question?? I don't have mine handy.

I am surprised if you are right (not that I am surprised you are ever right just that I am surprised if what you say is true in this case - better stop here before I put my foot further in my mouth).

I have seen some sets with no VoG and I think I still have photos of people without them. I wonder if it makes a difference where the person was called up? Perhaps if you were called up from west of the Urals, or even called up during a cetain time you were on record for getting the VoG medal and if not you weren't.

Or maybe some units in the East just never got VoG medals due to an oversight.

It is a very interesting connundrum.

Shawn