Thought you guys might like a look at the Ukrainian Order of Merit (Third Class).
http://www.mad-alchemy.com/heraldry/Yuris.jpg
During the Soviet times, my father-in-law wrote a book advocating Ukrainian independence. For this book, the KGB gave him twelve years in Yakutsk (northeast of Siberia), and the Ukrainian government gave him a medal.
It may be third class, but it’s far beyond the only gong I’ve ever received (the medallion of the branch badge for the Prairie Branch of the RHSC).
Cheers,
Darren,
That’s a mighty fine medal—especially precious as he sacrificed 12 of his years for it. I think it was thoughtful that the new government honored him in such a way.
Here is a link showing the three classes of this medal. Note that it is awarded for "distinguished personal achievement".
Regards,
—Guy
Thanks Darren. Your dad seems like a hero to me. I’m glad the Ukranian government thought so as well.