Red Star,3795082,Station Technician,Afghanistan 1988

[medals73]

Senior Warrant Officer Valentin Nikolaiovich Kubasov

While I havew full research, it is not yet fully translated.

The Red Star recommendation:

"Senior Warrant Officer V. N. Kubasov has been with the Limited Soviet Contingent in Afghanistan since 30 June 1986. During his course of duty with the 221th ___ as the satellite station technician he proved to be a politically knowledgeable, industrious, hard working, and educated warrant officer. He is an example of unexceptionable service and fulfillment of international obligation. To perform his duties he combines a high exactingness towards his subordinates and the care for their needs and requirements. Pays much attention to maintaining readiness of his combat duty post, maintaining the readiness of the weapons and equipment. Possesses technical knowledge. Able to find a quick way out under unconventional circumstances and to make reasonable and justified decisions. Thus, on _2 November 1987, when as the vehicle officer in charge he was driving to Hairaton to receive the load, the vehicle was assaulted by the insurgents but courageous and decisive Senior Warrant Officer V. N. Kurbasov, risking his life, fired back with his personal weapon and was able to pull the vehicle out of the firing. During his tour of duty in the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan he has already performed 22 sorties on the Kabul–Hairaton route."

The group:

[Kirchgoens]

Hairaton - the border crossing to the UzSSR where the Freedom Bridge stands - just outside Termez. Same name on both sides of the border, slightly different spelling. I've been up to the last control point a couple times, but never made it onto the bridge. Wish I could have.

[medals73]

Back in happier days, I had made it up to the southern end of the bridge. Unfortunately that was one of the rolls of film (did I just date myself?) nuked by hyper-active Kabul airport X-Ray machines.

[Kirchgoens]

...and I was only able to approach from the northern side at the time.

I don't believe Afghanistan has seen happy days since some time prior to the late 70's. Has it been that long? ;)

Did his citation or AC didn't list an address and year of birth?

[medals73]

Originally Posted by Kirchgoens

I don't believe Afghanistan has seen happy days since some time prior to the late 70's. Has it been that long? ;)

Yes, I was first there during the brief period of the Republic (and foreign-instigated opposition was already sprouting then). Since then, Afghanistan has seen 35 years of invasion and occupation, interspersed with foreign-supported civil war. So sad. Last there in May 2002 when there was much hope, but that is all gone now.

Originally Posted by Kirchgoens

Did his citation or AC didn't list an address and year of birth?

Think so, but I have not been able to get a full translation of this (and many others.