Single page 8 ¾" x 11 ¾", in its original paper folder decorated with the image of the VLKSM membership badge. The document features the three orders LKSM of Ukrainian SSR had been awarded with during its existence: Order of Lenin, Order of October Revolution, and Order of the Red Banner.

The text of the citation states that the Central Committee of LKSM of Ukraine has awarded the Komsomol organization of Military Unit # 74263 with a transferrable red banner, "to be kept for eternity". The award is bestowed for active work in the communist upbringing of the army youth and reaching high results in the socialist competition in honor of the 70th anniversary of the USSR Armed Forces.

The citation bears the seal of the Central Committee of LKSM of Ukraine, is hand-signed by its secretary Yu. Sokolov, and dated 24 March 1988.

In good condition. The cover of the folder has acquired moderate storage wear, mostly along the edges. The bottom right-hand corner of the citation and the back cover of the folder show evidence or a rodent who tried to partake of the solemnity and significance of this award but lost its appetite quickly and did not reach the text. There is also a wrinkle to the lower left-hand corner and a tiny rip to the right edge towards the bottom. However, all this wear is on the periphery of the document, is not too intrusive to the eye, and does not reach the text or decorative graphics which are bright, crisp and vibrant.

While we were unable to uncover more specific information, our internet research showed that Military Unit # 74263 was located in or near Dnepropetrovsk (currently Dnipro) in Ukraine. Ironically, the "eternity" for which they were supposed to keep the awarded banner only lasted three years. Sic transit gloria Soviet!

Awards like this are very rare because at the time of a military unit's dissolution, its banner(s) and the related documentation must be physically destroyed.

Please note that the pen in our photo is for size reference.