Description

Soviet Order of Bogdan Khmelnitsky 3rd class #244

Awarded to NKVD Major of the Border Guards Troops Dmitriy Ivanovich Chertov (Дмитрий Иванович Чертов)

For fighting bandits and counter revolutionary elements [“Forest brothers”] in Lithuania. Under his command dozens of bandits were killed, 1 German Spy and 5 RKKA deserters were arrested and several weapons were seized

Made of solid silver. It measures 45.82 mm in height, 44.86 mm in width and weighs 31.9 gram without its screwplate. The serial number and the mint mark Monetni Dvor are located at the 6 o’clock position on the reverse. The minimum know serial number for this early two piece construction variation is 35 and the maximum number is 3223.

In excellent, above average condition with most details visible and crisp. The higher layer parts show light wear only and both sides show relatively few dings or scratches. An appealing dark patina gathered on its obverse which truly suits the order. There have been no repairs and the screw is full length. It comes with its time period silver screwplate.

A great early piece with very interesting research to an NKVD officer. Rare as such!

Short excerpts of his accomplishments:

“He has been serving as a commandant of a border guards sector during the operation against the bandits and counter revolutionary elements [Lithuanian anti-soviet guerrilla fighters, i.e. “Forest brothers”]
on the territory of the Panevėžys and Rokiškis district, Lithuanian Soviet Socialist republic. The operations were conducted with excellent evaluation, thanks to the exceptionally good operation planning, which was combined with full spectre of counter-intelligence filed activities. The border guards personnel acted bravely and decisively in the aforementioned operations.

On 12 December 1944, there was received an intelligence, that a group of bandits would visit a settlement with food gathering mission. Comrade CHERTOV thoroughly prepared and planned the operation, which resulted in complete defeat and elimination of the bandits with no losses on our side.

In the operations for clearing the Rokiškis district and the Šimonių forest conducted during 08-14 January 1945, the border guards commandant office eliminated:

34 bandits killed;
13 bandits detained;
1 German spy captured;
5 deserters from RKKA arrested;
6 accomplices to the bandits arrested.

Weapons seized:

4 light machine-guns;
13 rifles.
11 bandit’s hideouts burned

On 09 January 1945, the border guards detachment was moving out for a forest area sweeping operation. Suddenly, it was attacked by a group of bandits up to 80 men strong. Despite bandits numerical superiority and the element of surprise, the detachment entered the engagement and withstood until the reinforcements arrived.”

More info on Major Chertov can be found here

Also in the picture gallery are two images of Major Chertov, one of which he is wearing this actual Order of Bogdan Khmelnitsky 3rd class

More about the “Forest Brothers” can be read here