Soviet air force major
M1969 parade uniform

Soviet 1970s parade uniform for a war veteran navigator of the Soviet air force, the VSS, by rank of major. The uniform was acquired from a european collection where it has been for at least the last decade. The wartime awards include the medal for liberation of Warszaw and the medal for Victory over Germany as well as the medal for combat service which is an unnumbered long service award. The awards are mounted in the pre-1980s fashion along the collar of the uniform, mounted on suspensions that are attached by screwplates and pins. The ribbons are generally worn yet some of these have obviously been changed over the lapse of the career. Other awards include the medal for Veteran serviceman and awards for 20 and 15 years of irreproachable service, anniversary decorations and a very fine, 1960s polish Cross of Merit, II class. The Order of Lenin is a very well made replica.

The shoulder boards are golden with two blue stripes and carry one large silver star each for the rank of major. The collar tabs, which are sky blue felt, carry the insignia of the air force, a winged propeller.

The uniform holds a impressive array of late Soviet awards including the Order of Lenin (replica), above mentioned Medal for Combat service, medal for Victory over Germany, the medals for 20th, 30th and 40th anniversary of the Victory over Germany, the medals for 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th anniversaries of the armed forces and the medals for 20 and 15 years of irreproachable service. Mounted correctly above all awards is the military version of the 100th anniversary of Lenins birth and separately added (not bar mounted) is the polish Cross of Merit II class. On the wearers left is the Order of the Patriotic War II class, a brass 1960s navigator wing 2 class as well as a Red Guards badge.

The size of the uniform is 50 russian or about 40US. The visor cap is a size 56. The uniform comes with matching dark blue, sky blue piped trousers for wear with shoes and the golden parade aiguilette which is sewn onto the uniform under the wearers right shoulder board. The parade belt is not included, but recommended as a separate and optional purchase. Overall, the uniform is in great condition but shows limited wear from time and storage.



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