Description

Soviet Order of Alexander Nevsky #27969

Awarded to Lieutenant Yakov Makarovich Shmargun (Яков Макарович Шмаргун)

For being wounded 4 times while killing 25 Germans and taking 8 prisoners with his platoon in Lithuania

Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 50.95 mm in height, 49.68 mm in width and weighs 39.8 gram. The serial number and the mint mark Monetni Dvor are located at the 6 o’clock position underneath the screw.

This original order of Alexander Nevsky is in nice condition with most details present. The higher laying parts on the obverse show medium wear and much of the gold plating is present. The enamels are problem free apart from a crack and a superficial chip on the 12 o’clock ray of the red star. The screw has not been shortened and there have been no repairs. It comes with its time period screwplate.

Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:

“As a platoon leader he repeatedly displayed bravery and courage during the fighting for the liberation of our motherland, in the course of which he was wounded four times.

On October 4, 1944, after our units had assembled at the line of departure on the western bank of the Ventra River in order to break through the enemy defenses, the enemy undertook three fierce counterattacks. Only because of the skillfully organized defenses in comrade Shmorgun’s sector, his personal bravery, and his platoon’s perseverance, all counterattacks were repelled with the enemy suffering heavy losses. This situation, however, did not prevent the battalion from finishing its preparations for the offensive in an exemplary manner.

On October 5, 1944, upon receiving the attack signal, the battalion plunged into battle. Comrade Shmorgun’s platoon burst into the enemy trenches and drove off the enemy troops. In a swift assault the platoon seized the heavily fortified strong point at the village of Gribemki. The immediate objective assigned to the company and the platoon was accomplished with distinction.

While in pursuit of the enemy, the platoon, along with the rest of the company, got control of the important road leading from the town of Papilė to the town of Raudėnai, which deprived the enemy of the ability to maneuver. The immediate objective and subsequent tasks were thus accomplished with distinction.

Personally present among the ranks of his platoon, comrade Shmorgun inspired his soldiers to perform heroic deeds. During the operation up to 25 Germans were killed and 8 were taken prisoner.

He deserves to be awarded the Order of Alexander Nevsky.”

The full translation of the research:

Translation_Shmorgun

More info on Lt. Shmargun can be found here