Document for the Soviet Armed Forces 40th Anniversary Medal, issued on 24 July 1958 to Major Mikhail Bespalov.
The document shows an image of the medal in color on the first internal page. On the opposite page, there is the full name and rank of the recipient: Major Mikhail Mikhailovich Bespalov. A blue ink stamp of the military unit appears on the bottom along with the hand-signature of the unit commander Guards Colonel Novgorodtsev.
The unit is identified only by its code number 60549. We don't know exactly what this unit was, but an Internet search by the unit number reveals that in the 1970s- early 90s, this number was assigned to the 30th Separate Reconnaissance Brigade (GRU Airb
The document shows an image of the medal in color on the first internal page. On the opposite page, there is the full name and rank of the recipient: Major Mikhail Mikhailovich Bespalov. A blue ink stamp of the military unit appears on the bottom along with the hand-signature of the unit commander Guards Colonel Novgorodtsev.
The unit is identified only by its code number 60549. We don't know exactly what this unit was, but an Internet search by the unit number reveals that in the 1970s- early 90s, this number was assigned to the 30th Separate Reconnaissance Brigade (GRU Airborne Spetsnaz) stationed in Mongolia, at the Chinese border. After it was formed in the early 70s, the brigade was one of only two such elite GRU Military Intelligence units in the Soviet Military. Judging by how Soviets typically used military unit designations, the unit where Maj. Bespalov served in 1958 likely became a core for the 30th Separate Reconnaissance Brigade later on. If so, Bespalov's unit was for sure also a Special Operations unit of some kind. Whatever might be the case, the recipient and his place of service are certainly worthy of further research, especially if Russian archives will open up at some point!
The document is in very good condition, still sound, crisp and presentable. It shows mild wear and some staining on the cover none of which is very detractive. The interior has just age toning; the written entries and stamp are fully legible.
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