Description
Order of the Red Star #79881
Awarded to flight commander Vladimir Mikhailovich Burakov (Владимир Михайлович Бураков)
For his 133 combat missions as a pilot of U-2 aircraft, of which 8 night combat missions. He also conducted 4 successful ground assault missions on the Leningrad front in difficult weather conditions
Made of silver and enamels. The order measures 47.74 mm in width, 46.04 mm in height and weighs 28.7 grams without its screwplate. The serial number is located at the 6 o’clock position and the mint mark on the 12 o’clock position of its reverse. This early variation has a round base ‘heel’ of the screw.
In above average condition considering it is a relatively early Red Star. Most details are visible and the raised areas show medium wear. The enamels are problem free apart from a small chip at the tip of the 5 o’clock ray. The reverse is in nice condition too with relatively few dings and scratches. There have been no repairs and the screwpost is full length. It comes with its time period silver screwplate and both sides show a medium patina to the silver.
An early award with great research to a pilot. Scarce as such!
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
“Flight commander of 820 assault aviation regiment Lieutenant BURAKOV Vladimir Mikhailovich Burakov is awarded for his 133 combat missions as a pilot of U-2 aircraft, of which 8 missions were night combat missions. He conducted 4 successful ground assault missions on the Leningrad front in difficult weather conditions. During the mission, the aircraft was severely damaged by the anti-aircraft enemy fire from the ground. But despite being wounded in his arm, he successfully returned to his home airfield and landed the aircraft on just one landing gear.
Born 1911, VKP(b) member since 1939, Belorussian, drafted to Red Army by Leningrad city military commissariat.
Home address: town Chapaevsk, Sotsgorodok 12, app. №5.
Commander of 292 assault aviation division
HERO OF SOVIET UNION
Colonel Signature /N.KAMANIN/
HEAD OF STAFF of 292 assault aviation division
Lt. Colonel Signature /CHIZHIKOV/”
The full translation of the citation can read here
More information on Lt. Burakov can be found here
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