Badge "First Bulgarian Army - To Berlin"

[CtahhR]

Whereas the Soviet Union awarded a Medal "For The Capture Of Berlin" for participation in the Battle for Berlin, the situation was different in Bulgaria and a "budget" campaign badge was created almost immediately. The badge is a small piece of pressed copper alloy which was painted. There are 3 holes drilled into the badge so the Soldier awarded could sew the badge onto their uniform. This was the first Bulgarian award for service during the "Patriotic War 1944-45", other award would be created in late 1945 such as the Medal "For Participation In The Patriotic War 1944-45". The First Bulgarian Army was part of the 3rd Ukrainian Front.

The third picture shows an awardee modified reverse which makes it easier to move and attach the badge.

[CtahhR]

Here is the original document for the badge. This one being number 2564 awarded on the 1st June 1945 (Some three weeks after Victory) to Sanitary Captain Nikola Zhelev Angelov from Asenovgrad.

The document reads "8th Army Surgical Hospital awards this to Sanitary Captain Nikola Zhelev Angelov..... in the statement that he participated in the campaign of the 1st Bulgarian Army against Germany and he has the right to wear the badge of the Army" Signed Doctor B'rkov Sanitary Major commander of the 8th Army Surgical Hospital (8th Division).

[CtahhR]

Here are 3 photographs of the badge attached to uniforms the first is from a photograph dated March 1946 and the recipient has also been awarded the Soviet Victory Medal. Instructions on just where on the uniform the badge was to be worn must have not been either clear or strict.

[CtahhR]

Here is head of the Bulgarian army Colonel-General Stoychev, sometime before 9th September 1945 but after 9th May 1945. I suppose as head of the Bulgarian army his badge is in the right place. Note that underneath the badge is his imperial Military Academy Graduation Badge. Underneath the Order "For Bravery" (1st Class combined with the neck award) is an Order "Partisan Star" 1st Class of Yugoslavia.

[CtahhR]

Here is a rather "deluxe" recipient enhanced example.