The congratulatory message reads, in part:
“You rose from student at a tank academy to defence minister of the Soviet Union. You took part in the battle of Lake Khasan, fought on the frontlines in the Great Patriotic War and in Afghanistan, and took part in the cleanup operations at the Chernobyl nuclear power station.
You were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union and have received many state decorations for your courage and your great contribution to strengthening the country’s defences.”