Description

Soviet Order of Alexander Nevsky #36371

Awarded to Guards Major Nikolai Ivanovich Martyanov (Николай Иванович Мартьянов)

For combat successes in East Prussia

Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 51.43 mm in height and 50.34 mm in width. It weighs 40.6 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 great condition with no enamel damage. The order shows little wear and almost all details are visible. The gold plating on the wreath, sword and arrows is mostly present as is the gilt on the pollaxes. The screw has its full length and it has no repairs. It comes with its time period screwplate.

A beautiful piece with extensive research!

Short Description of his feat of arms or achievements:

“During the efforts to breach the permanent enemy line of defense 1.5 kilometers west of Walterkehmen (East Prussia) and during the 120-kilometer-long pursuit of the enemy toward the city of Landsberg between January 15, 1945 and February 2, 1945, comrade Martyanov displayed exceptional skill in directing his battalion’s artillery fire, bravery, and initiative while crushing the enemy along intermediate lines of defense.

On January 17, 1945, during the fighting for height 112.6, 2 kilometers west of Walterkehmen, the enemy, after bringing up fresh troops, launched 4 powerful counterattacks with tanks and infantry in rapid succession. Despite heavy artillery, mortar, and machine-gun fire, comrade Martyanov, posted at the command and observation post, skillfully adjusted his battalion’s artillery fire, thus ensuring the enemy counterattacks were repelled. During this battle 4 heavy machine guns and 3 light ones were destroyed; 1 self-propelled gun, 1 armored personnel carrier, and 3 vehicles were burned down; 2 mortar batteries and 1 artillery battery were suppressed; and as many as 80 enemy troops were killed.

During the fighting for the city of Nordenburg the enemy concentrated up to 2 battalions of motorized infantry and 30 tanks in a narrow sector. Having been ordered to breach this intermediate enemy line of defense, comrade Martyanov – acting at his own initiative – moved forward with a radio transceiver toward the advancing companies. In spite of heavy enemy fire he pushed forward alongside the companies, having his battalion destroy those firing positions impeding our infantry’s advance. During this battle the battalion destroyed 6 heavy and 4 light machine guns, 2 antitank guns, and 2 81-mm mortars; knocked out 1 tank and 1 self-propelled gun; and killed as many as 150 troops.

During the fighting for the city of Landsberg comrade Martyanov – acting at his own initiative – took a radio transceiver and joined an artillery assault unit, broke through the ranks of the enemy infantry, entered the southern outskirts of the city of Landsberg, and called artillery fire onto himself, thus destroying enemy firing positions. In doing so he ensured the infantry could advance, move into the gap, and link up with the surrounded unit in the city. During this battle he destroyed 1 enemy artillery battery and 5 heavy machine guns and killed up to 50 infantrymen.

He deserves a sixth award, the Order of Alexander Nevsky.”

Full translation of the research below:

Translation_Martyanov