General questions/ comments on GDR awards

[Greg Collins]

One thing I've discovered about the Stasi is that there were relatively few awards designated solely for them (Staatssicherheits)- they could be awarded just about any medal within the GDR by their minister (Mielke is most often cited in the book). So readers will see very nice examples of medals and documents, earlier and later, from the armed forces, police, border guards, etc. The more I study this book, the more I realize that the cost of the book ($79) was money well spent.