Colonel-General Avgust Hristov Kabakchiev, Head Of The Air Force.

[CtahhR]

Here is my latest acquisition. A very Brezhnev-esque 70th Birthday present to a high ranking life-long Bulgarian Communist, Great Patriotic War combat veteran of the Soviet Air Force - Colonel-General Avgust Hristov Kabakchiev. More pictures and information to come. This Gold Star "Hero Of Socialist Labour" is a Type 3 and mint marked for the Bulgarian Mint and made of 14K gold.
More information is forthcoming.

[CtahhR]

Dearest Comrade Colonel General Kabakchiev,
On behalf of the leadership, political affairs and entire staff of 22,900 and on their behalf most warmly. Congratulations on the occasion of your 70th birthday and award you with the highest title "Hero Of Socialist Labour".
In your person, we welcome war-communist, devoted your life to the cause of the Party and the people, Soviet alumnus, commander of the invincible Soviet Army having undergone the harsh school of the Great Patriotic War, enthusiastic supporter of unbreakable Bulgarian-Soviet friendship.
We appreciate your highly worthy engineering and technical knowledge and extensive combat experience, dedicated work and your personal contribution to the creation and development of aviation mechanical service of the BPA. With feelings of deep respect shaking the hand of the creator of the headquarters of weaponry and equipment.
Nearly four decades with legendary tenacity, high responsibility and enthusiasm rendering strength and knowledge to enhance the combat readiness of the national army.
Your great humility, respect and general warmness to people, readiness to assist have emulated, a great political leader and commander if the Bulgaria People's Army.
On the day of your birthday a brotherly embrace and wish you good health, happiness, joy and prosperity.
May you be for many years still building and protecting for the developed socialist society, for the benefit and prosperity of the dear homeland - People's Republic Of Bulgaria.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Deputy Minister Of National Defence and commander of unit 22900
Colonel-General Todorov

Commander of Political Affairs of Unit 22900
Major-General Parmakov

17th May 1984 - Sofia

[CtahhR]

Honourable Avgust Hristovich!

on behalf of the generals, admirals and officers of the representation of the main force commander of the Bulgarian People's Army and from my own heart, to a brother, to congratulate you on your birthday and 70 years since your birth and assign you the title "Hero Of Socialist Labour".
Your whole life is a communist past, Soviet army veteran of World War II, devoted to the cause of the Communist Party, The cause of the people.

Your personal contribution to a rich military and engineering experience in the Great Patriotic War, tireless energy and persistence ensured the establishment of the aircraft maintenance service of the Bulgarian People's Army, base of the main control of weapons and equipment and training personnel, which was the basis for a technically strong fighting force, ready to defend their socialist homeland and perform tasks in a single fraternal union of Warsaw Pact countries

Your exceptional modesty and principle warmth towards the people are an example to be emulated as a great political leader and military commander of Bulgarian People's Army.

This celebration and memorable day we wish you Comrade Avgust Khristovich, good health, great personal and family happiness and new successes in your tireless efforts to strengthen indestructible Bulgarian-Soviet friendship.

Colonel-General V. Jakushin 17th May 1984

[CtahhR]

I have found a scan of Kabakchiev's first Bulgarian award. Order "9th September 1944" 3rd Class With Swords #99 awarded 20th December 1946 at which time he was a Colonel and "Commander of a regiment". I'd love to get this into my collection but the dealer who currently has this document and award has not only burnt me with a fake before but wants over five times its value so it looks like this group will remain split. At least I got a picture.

[Ruiz]

Hi, congrats, very good !!!!!! I love your document group.

[CtahhR]

With gratitude to the Free! Russian archive site! Now Guards Engineer-Captain Kabakchiev's citation for his second award a "Red Star" from 31st July 1943. Translation to follow (Although the handwriting is a bit tricky to say the least).

[RedMaestro2]

If you weren't aware already, Kabakchiev's uniform and full set of decorations was on sale on ebay last January. I wish I had taken better notes on the listing. Here's a picture though.

[CtahhR]

Close.... but not the full set....

The Hero-Star is very much here with me.... (and accompanied documents)

It has been doing the circuit for 4 or 5 years..... (less the Gold Star I saved from being melted).

[new world]

Here are the pics of Kabakchiev's star with paperwork

[CtahhR]

As I've said before that's NOT the original "worn" star but one added by a dealer last year.

I'm not by the "awarded" star but it is still in the collection along with some of Avgust's other items.