Description

Soviet Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #583209

Awarded to Guards Sergeant Alexej Ilyich Sokurov (Алексей Ильич Сокуров)

For personally eliminating 17 enemy troops, taking 1 prisoner and destroying 2 trucks by a captured weapon (handheld German machine-gun)

Scarce small ‘Fish Eye’ variation

Made of solid silver, gold and enamels. The order weighs 20.6 gram without its screwplate and measures 42.57 mm in width and 45.01 mm in height.

In a decent, about average condition with all details crisp. The red and white enamels show several scratches, contact marks and dings but is without repairs or flaking. The order comes with its original, time period and well fitted screwplate and its screw has not been shortened.

‘Fish Eye’ variations were produced by the Leningrad Mint and are significant smaller than the other wartime orders of the Patriotic War. This relatively small variation is highly sought by collectors for its very distinctive look and relative rarity. The lowest known number in this range of this variation is #580061 and the highest known number is #617896.

Brief and specific description of the personal feat or merits

Comrade SOKUROV has been transporting without any delays a canon in the operation for providing support to our tanks. All the way to the town Neustadt, he had to move designated cannon along the bad beaten road and in close proximity of the enemy, sometimes being subjected to the enemy rifle and machine-gun fire.

On 19 March 1945, he exhibited exceptional bravery in an engagement against a superior enemy force near the hill 288.3. Being armed by a captured weapon (handheld German machine-gun), comrade SOKUROV personally eliminated 17 enemy troops and 1 took prisoner, destroyed 2 trucks.

For excellent work on his tractor and for exhibited courage and bravery in the struggle against the German invaders, I recommend him to be bestowed with order “PATRIOTIC WAR II CLASS”.

The full translation can be found below:

– register card

– citation

More information on Guards Sgt Sokurov can be read here

Next to the ‘standard’ research a combat performance review of March 1945 is added to the picture galley

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