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1939 - 1945

Bulgaria

 

The Order for Bravery

This very complex order was originally instituted 1879 as the Military Order for Bravery in four classes for officers in a number of "emissions" (categories) and an equal number of classes for soldiers for personal bravery in war. A new issue was created bearing the date "1941".

Bravery Order 1st class1879 Military Order for Bravery

 

The Order of the 9th September 1944

Instituted on 14 September 1945, this order was awarded for services in connection with the 9 September 1944 uprising, for outstanding services in the establishment of the People's Republic of Bulgaria, and for bravery in action by officers and leaders of the People's Army. Two divisions were created, a Military and a Civil Division, each having three classes. The Military Division can be recognized by its insignia having crossed swords. Two types of the order exist : a screw-back type and a ribboned one. The central medallion depicts a Bulgarian patriot, Vasil Levski.

Order of 9th Sept 1944 - Military, 1st type, 2nd class

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Order of 9th Sept 1944 - Civil, 1st type, 3rd class
Order of 9th Sept 1944 - Military, 2nd type, all classes
Order of 9th Sept 1944 - Civil, 2nd type, 1st class, reverse Order of 9th Sept 1944 - Civil, 2nd type, 2nd class Order of 9th Sept 1944 - Civil, 2nd type, 3rd class

 

The Order of National Freedom 1941-1944

This order was instituted on 14 September 1945 and could be awarded to Bulgarians who, as partisans, members of other fighting units or as political prisoners, had - by their valour or devotion - contributed materially to the struggle against Germany. Foreigners could also receive this order for similar services prior to 9 September 1944. Two classes were created, the 1st class having white enamel and being in gilt, the 2nd class, silvered, having red enamel. The central medallion depicts Cristo Botev, a 19th century poet and patriot. Once more, two types, one screw-back, the other ribboned are in existence.

Order of National Freedom, 2nd class, 1st typeOrder of National Freedom, 2nd class, 2nd type

 

The Medal for the Patriotic War 1944-1945

All who participated in the war between 9 September 1944 and 9 May 1945 were entitled to receive this medal.

 Medal for the Patriotic War, obverseMedal of the Patriotic War, reverse

 

The Medal for Participation in the Anti-Fascist Struggle

This medal was instituted in 1950 to recognize partisans, helpers, political prisoners and concentration camp victims during the war against Nazi Germany.

Antifascist Medal, obverse

 

The Medal for the 30th Anniversary of the Victory over Germany

Instituted on 9 May 1975 for award to WW2 veterans.

30th Anniversary of Victory over Germany, obverse30th Anniversary of Victory over Germany, reverse

 

The Medal for the 40th Anniversary of the Victory over Germany

 

 40th Anniv. Victory over Germany, obverse 30th Anniversary of Victory over Germany, reverse 

The Medal for the 50th Anniversary of the Victory over Germany

Instituted on 9 May 1995 for award to WW2 veterans.

50th Anniversary of Victory over Germany, obverse

 

The Medal for the 60th Anniversary of the Victory over Germany

60th Anniversary of Victory over Germany, obverse 60th Anniversary of Victory over Germany, reverse

 

The Bulgarian Infantry Badge

This bravery badge was created in three classes : gilt, silver and bronze.

Bulgarian Infantry Badge, 2nd class Bulgarian Infantry Badge, 3rd class

 

The Bulgarian Wound Badge

The numeral on the badge indicates the number of wounds received.

Bulgarian Wound Badge, 1 wound

 

The Partisan Battle against Fascism Medal

This medal was described to me with different names and I've chosen the above one for the time being. The medal itself was instituted on 13 December 1950 for award to veteran partizans of WW2 but its requirements were later broadened to allow awards to be made for anti-capitalism activities. In 1990 the medal was discontinued.

Partizan Medal, obverse  Partizan Medal, reverse

 

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