09-27-2011, 07:39 PM
The awards do seem to pair up with the uniform. A "Patriotic War" veteran with 10-12 years service and a "catch up" Order "People's Liberty". In the 1950's Bulgarian uniforms were rather hit an miss. Old bits and new bits, Soviet uniforms with Bulgarian insignia, Bulgarian Uniforms with either old or new insignia. I would say that this person was in service from about 3 months or less after the Coup in Bulgaria until the mid-50s and then retired/reserved. The uniform may have been retired by the Colonel in the early/mid 60's before he was awarded any additional commemorative awards (it seems strange he didn't take them off though), of course the Colonel may well have died before 20th anniversary celebrations in 1964/5.
"Signed with his own rubber stamp"
