Parachutist Badges

[desantnik]

As an operational security measure these unit numbers changed. I'm certain a 1964 unit number would not be the same some ten or twenty years later, thus the number's identification with the questionable unit you posted.

[CtahhR]

Maybe so. The number was in use for the unit within 5 years of the award and I can't find it being used for any other units. It could be that the unit did a lot more than the name suggests.

Then again it could be another case of a bored officer with rather tedious duties doing something fun during his free time.

[desantnik]

USSR Ministry of the Armed Forces Parachute Instructor Certification awarded to Ivan ******ich Mikhasko on 9 APR 55 according to a decision signed 25 MAR 55. Signed by Chief of the Airborne OBP(?) GEN-MAJ Smirnov.

[desantnik]

Ground-dug early OSOAVIAKHIM badge with four-digit serial number from battlefield in Ukraine.

[desantnik]

Expert parachutist badge of the 1968 series with "10" number and 1/2 hanger.

[desantnik]

Signed by Chief of the Airborne OBP(?) GEN-MAJ Smirnov.

A fellow member informed me that "OBP" is abbreviation for "Combat Training Department" - thanks!

[desantnik]

"Dembel" badge kindly dated 1950 by creator for our reference. In that he probably did not achieve senior status he may have simply substituted "USSR" where the word "Instructor" would have been on an official badge. My hat off to his achievement and artistic creativity.

[desantnik]

I don't know exactly where to post this ID document but here due to the depiction of the airborne badge. Undated document (due to tear-shape airborne badge post 1968) issued by Troop Unit 31539 (1065 Guards Airborne Artillery Regiment/98 Guards Airborne Division) in Bolhrad, Ukraine prior to being disbanded in 1992. ID issued to Valentina Stepanovna Zelinskaya, signed by unit Chief of Staff Major Savchenko.