Single page, 7.5" x 11.5", front and verso. The letter is penned by Grechko himself, and dated and signed at the bottom of the obverse, in black ink. This is a standard form for service evaluation and promotional recommendation of an officer, and the fact that Grechko chose to handwrite it himself instead of dictating it to one of his secretaries, makes it truly rare.

The form does not state the name of the officer, just states his position in the typed conclusion on the verso, Deputy Commander of the Troops of the Kiev Military District. Research revealed that in 1947 this post was held by Gevorg Ter-Gasparyan, then major general. Further researched information corroborates the conclusion of this evaluation, namely, that it would be appropriate to discharge and retire Ter-Gasparyan on the grounds of poor health. In fact, Ter-Gasparyan passed away after a prolonged illness in 1949.

In excellent condition. The paper is very mildly age-toned and supple, showing barely visible wrinkles. The left margin, cut off with scissors, does not have an ideal straight line and cuts off the end of two of the typed words on the verso. However, the meaning of the words remains perfectly clear.

Andrey Grechko (Андрей Антонович Гречко, 1903 - 1976), was the 13th child in the family of a Ukrainian blacksmith. He joined the Red Army, Cavalry, in 1919 as a volunteer. It was the beginning of a very active and ascending military career. By mid-1930s, then major Grechko switched from horse saddle to staff office chair. During WW2 he commanded the 34th Cavalry Division, 5th Cavalry Corps, 12th Army on the Southern Front, 47th Army, and 5 more commanding positions until the end of the war. He was promoted to Marshal of the Soviet Union in 1955. In April of 1967 he replaced the just-deceased Marshal Rodion Malinovsky on the post of Defense Minister of the USSR. Like his predecessor, Grechko remained on this post until his death.

Please note that Grechko's portrait photo is for illustrative purposes only and is not included with the document.