Georgy Zhukov, Marshal of the Soviet Union, First Deputy to Stalin in WW2, typed document signed, 9 December 1947.
Single page 7 ½" x 11 ¾", front and verso. This is a standard form for service evaluation and promotional recommendation of a political officer, Lt.-Col. Volchenko, Deputy Commander of an artillery regiment. The evaluation submitted by the regiment commander found Volchenko falling short in nearly all aspects of his service duty in addition to a penchant for alcohol, and recommended demoting him to a post in a military commissariat or as a deputy chief of a military warehouse.
Zhukov's hand signature is on page 2 in red ink.
In excellent condition. The paper is mildly and evenly age-toned, quite supple, showing barely visible wrinkles and a small "closed" rip at the bottom edge, which reaches the typed text but does not obscure any of the words, and can be repaired with clear tape, if desired. The left margin has been cut off with scissors, partially affecting the notation in red pencil, dated 1 February 1949. However, only the first letter is cut off, and it is clear that the notation reads "The conclusion has been conveyed".
Zhukov was an outstanding military leader whose successes in WW 2 earned him a legendary status. Among his Soviet decorations were: the Title of Hero of the Soviet Union (awarded four times), Order of Lenin (six times), Order of Victory (twice), Order of the Red Banner, Order of the October Revolution (three times), Order of Suvorov, 1st Class (twice). At the time of signing this document, Zhukov was however in a virtual "internal exile" when Stalin sought to ensure that he and the other victorious Soviet WW 2 generals would never pose a threat to his hold on power. Zhukov's career star would rise once again after Stalin's death, in mid 1950s, when he briefly became the USSR Defense Minister under Khrushchev.
Item# 42728
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