Lapa Wrote:Guys,Yeltsin's inebriety and dementia could only explain some of the awards. It is unlikely that Yeltsin had on hand VLKSM badge and 3 classes of Irreproachable Service medal. Swan who is not shy about his honors only mentions meeting Yeltsin's representative, not B.N. himself. In his biography on the university's website it is stated, "... and Medal Freedom of Russia. The latter was presented by President Boris Yeltsin's representative."
During his visits to the US, then president Elsin took upon himself (in his "standard" state of consciousness, that is) to award various orders and medals for close to no reasons at all. After a White House reception, one US veteran with no specific links to the Soviet Union ended up receiving a large number of military awards, including OPW2, BM, etc.
So, this case fall also in that timeframe (early to mid 1990's) and could very well be a similar one.
Marc
deValcourt Wrote:I would like to see a closeup of the MVD badge to see if it is just another of the many cheap copies that he probably wouldn't know was fake since some look rather convincing to those not in the know.Cell phone pic is the only image I have. Even on the wall of fame photo it was impossible to read the inscription on the badge.
Phillip
