Description

Researched Soviet Order of the Red Banner #41055

Awarded to Master Sergeant Nikolaj Denisovich Gubin (Николай Денисович Губин)

For taking over aircraft control (R-5 plane) after the pilot was hit and killed by AA-fire while on a bombing mission. Sgt. Gubin was wounded and received no piloting or landing training but single-handedly managed to fly bank the aircraft and landed it in difficult night conditions.

Recommended for the Order of Lenin

This order of the Red Banner made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 39.42 mm in height, 35.82 mm in width and weighs 25.0 gram. The serial number and the mint mark Monetni Dvor are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse.

The order is in an excellent, well above average condition with light overall wear. The higher laying parts such as the centre wreath and the torch show their details perfectly well. The red enamel is mostly present and in far better condition than most screwback Red Banners. There have been two repairs on the 3 and 9 o’clock rays of the centre star and a small chip is visible at the bottom of the top banner. The white enamels are pristine and its screw has not been shortened. The order comes with its time period and well fitting silver screwplate.

Brief and specific description of the personal feat or merits

On the night of 28.09.1942, comrade GUBIN (in the crew with the pilot Lt. BASHKIROV) flew a mission against the enemy airfield in Luostari. In the hurricane of the enemy AA fire, the crew went into the bomb run and released the bomb load precisely. At the moment of the bomb release, comrade GUBIN was wounded by a large shrapnel fragment of an AA shell. The pilot Lt. BASHKIROV was hit in the head and killed. The uncontrollable aircraft fell into a spin dive and was about to crash on the enemy airfield. Master Sergeant GUBIN quickly realized the situation and assumed aircraft control from his cockpit. He managed to recover the aircraft from the spin dive at 300 meters altitude and utilising evasive manoeuvres diverted from the target. Now, comrade GUBIN – a freshman navigator, who had no piloting, nor landing training – had to singlehandedly take the aircraft in the difficult night conditions along 150km route to the home base and land it. Master Sergeant GUBIN exercised his strength of character and heroism. He excellently managed and achieved, impossible for him, task. After successfully arriving to his home airfield, he made three landing attempts and finally successfully landed the aircraft. Despite the fact, that the avionic controls were jammed by the body of the killed pilot, comrade GUBIN managed to land such, that the aircraft only received some insignificant damages, which were easily reparable in the field conditions by the local regiment technical team.

During the course of his combat service since 15.01.1942, comrade GUBIN has made 44 successful night combat missions with confirmed results on a R-5 aircraft (total flying time 70h 20min). He executes all his missions perfectly and is eager to go to combat missions. He is an exemplary serviceman in his area of expertise.

For excellent execution of the combat missions assigned by the command with the aim of destroying the enemy ground forces, for heroism exhibited on 28 September 1944 during a combat mission and saving his life and aircraft, for bringing home the body of his heroically fallen commander, Master Sergeant GUBIN deserves state award – order “LENIN”.