The Cold War
Gallery 2
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The Soviet Military Liaison Mission was created through various treaty agreements with NATO, the US, and West
Germany. Members of the SMLM were permitted limited access to the west to monitor training activities of NATO
forces. Normally seen in their military uniforms but in civilian cars bearing the license plate shown above, U.S.
personnel were to report the vehicles when sighted.
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Chemical Warfare Defense Ensemble. The charcoal impregnated overgarment is designed to be worn over the combat uniform, and offers protection from chemical agents in vapor, liquid droplets and aerosol form. The charcoal lining works the same way as a gasmask filter, removing toxins and contaminants. The MCU-2/P gas mask is the primary piece of protective equipment. When properly worn, it protects the face, eyes and respiratory tract against all known chemical and biological agents. A mask hood and protective rubber overboots and gloves complete the Mission Oriented Protective Posture, Level 4 (MOPP4) ensemble. These suits have a limited lifespan, and must be replaced every few days or when exposed to chemicals or moisture, including perspiration. Also shown is the standard field equipment worn: M1 steel helmet, and pistol belt with gasmask carrier, M-16 ammunition pouch, and canteen with cover. (Equipment donated by Scott Irwin, MSgt, USAF (Retired). |
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Close-up view of the MCU-2/P gas mask. The mask is issued with a dark face lense, or "outsert", but we were told not to wear it - in the event of a chemical attack, medics need to be able to see whether the victim's eyes are dilated or not, and the dark outsert prevented that. The mask also has a built in voice-mitter for communications, and a flexible tube for attaching to the canteen top. |
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(Left) "War Internationalist" medal (Also known as the "Handshake Medal") and (Right) medal "From a Grateful Afghan People" awarded to Russian soldiers for service in Afghanistan after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan on December 24, 1979. Regarded as an unprovoked invasion of a sovereign country by another, the United States provided support to the Mujahideen or "holy warriors" led by Osama bin Laden. The Mujahideen "won" when the Soviet Union pulled their troops out of Afghanistan in 1989. The Mujahideen could not establish a united government, and they were in turn ousted from power by the Taliban in 1996.
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Soviet Army "Ushanka" or winter fur hat. These hats typified the Russian soldier for the western world. (Donated by Dan Faulkner, LTC, USAF (Retired).
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Postwar agreements with the Soviets allowed access to West Berlin via several air and land corridors. This card
was given to personnel driving through the Berlin-Helmstadt corridor in the event they needed assistance.
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