Description

Soviet Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #91153

Awarded to the Jewish Political Commissar and Captain Mikhail Borisovich Vainer (Михаил Борисович Вайнер)

For conducting extensive work among the the political personnel and the Communist members of the regiment which resulted in successfully repelling many enemy attacks. In these battles 11 tanks, up to 800 enemy troops and several guns and vehicles were destroyed

Made of solid silver, gold and enamels. The order weighs 24.1 gram without its screwplate and measures 44.41 mm in width and 46.27 mm in height. This early screwback order is produced by the Krasnokamsky Mint (KMD). The minimum known serial number for this variation is 76677 and the maximum is 99999.

In sublime condition with crisp details and minor overall wear only. The red and white enamels are absolutely stunning without chipping, scratches or repairs. At first glance there seems to be a small enamel chip on white part above the ‘Я’. However, on close inspection this appears to be a production imperfection. The order comes with its original and well fitted silver screwplate and its screw has not been shortened.

Great eye appeal and next to impossible to upgrade!

Brief and specific description of the personal feat or merits:

“Comrade VAINER M.B. has participated in the combat operations on the Western and Southern fronts as an instructor of the divisions political department. Since February 1942, he has been the deputy commander and the political commissar of the regiment. In the combat engagements, his conduct served as an example to other Communists and the none-party members. He has been the leading political officer in the regiment and systematically provided the command and assured the combat objectives were accomplished. As the result of the conducted political work among the personnel, the regiment fought intensively for the control of the settlements: Saveliev, Gapkin, Kastyrochnij, and others. In the sectors near these settlements, the enemy attempted numerous counter attacks against the 1275 rifle regiment.

Comrade VAINER conducted extensive work among the the political personnel and the Communist members of the regiment. The regiment personnel repelled many enemy attacks. In these actions, there were destroyed 9 tanks and up to 600 enemy motorised troops and submachine gunners.

In the subsequent engagements on the river Severing Donets, the regiment destroyed 2 German tanks, 3 armoured personnel carriers, 1 battery of 75mm guns, 2 mortars, 10 machine-guns, and up to 200 enemy troops.

In all of these actions, the commanders and the political personnel were inspired and led by comrade VAINER for the goal of accomplishing the combat objectives. The personnel fought courageously and selflessly. In the combat engagement near the settlement Mikhailovskij, comrade VAINER was severely wounded and is currently in a hospital.

For exhibited courage and bravery, 53 servicemen of the regiment were bestowed with the orders and medals. Comrade VAINER deserves order “RED BANNER”.”

The full translation of the research can be found below:

– register card

– citation

More info on Captain Vainer can be found here

Also included in the picture gallery is a battle map of the 1275th Rifle Regiment, 387th Rifle Division in December 1942

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