Honorary Title "Hero Of The Russian Federation".

[Simon]

A pic of the hero is attached. Though he is a great man, this award seems a bit inappropriate.

[Commissar]

Happy Birthday to Mr.Kalashnikov!

He is now...thrice a hero of Russia/Soviet Union? That's cool and all, but it seems the title, "Hero of Russia" was a birthday present.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by Commissar

That's cool and all, but it seems the title, "Hero of Russia" was a birthday present.

That's exactly my point. In the Soviet tradition, the decoration was bestowed as a birthday gift to add to his 2 HSL stars. The citation reads, "On his 90th birthday, for strengthening of the country's defense." Mikhail Kalashnikov gets the medal because he is alive on his jubilee. Mikhail Koshkin, chief designer of T-34, was less lucky. Dead in 1940, he only got posthumous Stalin's Prize (1942) and single HSL star (1990). No offense to Mr. Kalashnikov, T-34 contributed more to "the country's defense" than AK-47 and its derivatives.

[deValcourt]

Originally Posted by Simon

No offense to Mr. Kalashnikov, T-34 contributed more to "the country's defense" than AK-47 and its derivatives.

True, but you can't carry a T-34 around or keep one under you bed.;)

The AK is sort of like the Colt 1911 - a classic that you can modify, but the basic design will always be the same because it works and works well.:thumbsup

Although, if you had to go into battle and could choose just one of all of the above, well...

Phillip

[Bob]

The AK-47 has made a big contribution to Russia's foreign trade, perhaps that is why they appreciate him so much?:)

[Simon]

Originally Posted by Bob

The AK-47 has made a big contribution to Russia's foreign trade, perhaps that is why they appreciate him so much?:)

Ironically, he does not appreciate the trade. :) M. Kalashnikov in his numerous interviews has complained about AK-47 manufacture and use in other countries. In his HR acceptance speech, he reiterated that he invented the assault rifle strictly for the defense of the Fatherland and blamed politicians for giving the weapon into hands of those who shouldn't have it.

[Bob]

Originally Posted by Simon

Ironically, he does not appreciate the trade. :) M. Kalashnikov in his numerous interviews has complained about AK-47 manufacture and use in other countries. In his HR acceptance speech, he reiterated that he invented the assault rifle strictly for the defense of the Fatherland and blamed politicians for giving the weapon into hands of those who shouldn't have it.

Hmmm yes, I think i read that as well (a book i once read about history of AK47). However, I recall he ALSO complained (or it was his family) that millions of these weapons have been sold yet he hasn't received much financil gain from it. But hey, he did get HR award...

[Esteban_cool]

Does the Hero of RF title give some of the benefits that the HSU gave, like tax reduction and so on?

[Simon]

Yes, HR is entitled to benefits. On a Russian TV program, it was mentioned that HR have a hard time finding a job because employers by law have to give them extra vacation days.

The way M. Kalashnikov wears his decorations is interesting. He chooses not to put on the blue ribbon and the badge of St. Andrew order. Contrary to regulations, Russian Federation award For Military Merits follows Soviet orders.

While he doesn't like his assault rifle in the hands of terrorists, gangsters, and soldiers of rogue nations, he also complains about not getting royalties :D On History Channel, he griped about Eugene Stoner having his own jet. In my opinion, Kalashnikov was financially rewarded for his invention. In Soviet times, weapon designers enjoyed high salaries. He got Stalin and Lenin prizes, each included a huge monetary reward. Also, as a recipient of Russian Federation State Prize, he should have gotten 5 mil rubles (~$166000).

[deValcourt]

Originally Posted by Simon

Yes, HR is entitled to benefits. On a Russian TV program, it was mentioned that HR have a hard time finding a job because employers by law have to give them extra vacation days.

Surely there are other benefits besides more annual vacation time? Does the government still give housing preferences/privileges to certain people in the larger cities?

Originally Posted by Simon

The way M. Kalashnikov wears his decorations is interesting. He chooses not to put on the blue ribbon and the badge of St. Andrew order. Contrary to regulations, Russian Federation award For Military Merits follows Soviet orders.

I believe at his age and prominence, no one is going to tell him anything about how he wears his awards.;) It may also be that he feels his "greatest moments" in life were recognized by the Soviets and therefore his pride and memories supersede current regulations (or nobody told him).:chuckle

Originally Posted by Simon

While he doesn't like his assault rifle in the hands of terrorists, gangsters, and soldiers of rogue nations, he also complains about not getting royalties :D On History Channel, he griped about Eugene Stoner having his own jet. In my opinion, Kalashnikov was financially rewarded for his invention. In Soviet times, weapon designers enjoyed high salaries. He got Stalin and Lenin prizes, each included a huge monetary reward. Also, as a recipient of Russian Federation State Prize, he should have gotten 5 mil rubles (~$166000).

And during the Soviet period, that was a huge sum, which together with his other "benefits" would have allowed him to have and do just about anything he wanted. But greed is just like any other addiction, after the first taste of real money, people want and then need more and more to stay happy.

Just thoughts,
Phillip