Bought a TACC photo of Marshal Budenny, and couldn't help cross-checking his awards (as of 03/1943 on a picture) to his official list (from Marshals of the USSR, Kutsenko). To my surprice,
the Mongolian Star for Military Valor was never actually issued to Semyon Mikhailovich... It was the Mongolian Red Banner #38, issued in 1938. Now, where the Star came from and why? The photo is original. I've checked his bio, and another book on Marshals of USSR (see pics below) - there is never a mentioning of this Order, all pictures show correct Mongolian Decorations - Red Banner, Suche Bator...
To add a confusion - look at the Voroshilov's pics (also below) - he is wearing the same Star for Military Valor, and sure enough, he was also never issued one!?
Now, the question: why the original first 2 Soviet Marshals would wear an Order they weren't awarded with on a Parade Uniform???
Alex.
the Mongolian Star for Military Valor was never actually issued to Semyon Mikhailovich... It was the Mongolian Red Banner #38, issued in 1938. Now, where the Star came from and why? The photo is original. I've checked his bio, and another book on Marshals of USSR (see pics below) - there is never a mentioning of this Order, all pictures show correct Mongolian Decorations - Red Banner, Suche Bator...
To add a confusion - look at the Voroshilov's pics (also below) - he is wearing the same Star for Military Valor, and sure enough, he was also never issued one!?
Now, the question: why the original first 2 Soviet Marshals would wear an Order they weren't awarded with on a Parade Uniform???
Alex.


Here is a photo from my pic-collection: 









