Description
Soviet Order of the Red Star #56317
Awarded to NKVD Major Sergei Arkhipovich Martynov (Сергей Архипович Мартынов)
For successes at the fighting in Abkhazia where his regiment killed and captures hundreds of German soldiers and officers
Made of silver and enamels. The order measures 48.52 mm in width, 47.14 mm in height and weighs 31.3 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.
This original order of the Red Star is in an excellent, well above average condition. The details are mostly visible and the enamels are stunning and show some minor contact marks only. The reverse is in superb condition too with almost no dings or scratches and shows an appealing dark toning. It comes with its time period and well fitted silver screwplate.
An early award with interesting research to an NKVD Major and in excellent condition. Scarce as such!
Brief biography and excerpt of his achievements:
Awarded to the chief of staff of the 25th Cahul border regiment of the NKVD troops (25 Moldavian border detachment).
Began to fight from the first day of the war on the border of the USSR, he fought at Stalingrad and then was redeployed to defend the passes of the Main Kaveaz Range near Sochi and in Abkhazia.
From the Cavalier’s Award List:
Major Martynov Sergei Arkhipovich, chief of staff of the 25th border regiment of the NKVD troops.
Participated in battles in June 1941 on the Prut River, defending the USSR border as part of the 25 Moldavian border detachment, for which he was awarded the Order of the Battle Red Banner by secret order Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on August 26, 1941.
In July 1942 he distinguished himself in the defense of the crossing of the Don River during the German offensive at Stalingrad near the village of Razdorskaya.
In September 1942, he fought at the battles and defense of the Tsibishkha and Chamashkha passes of the Main Caucasian ridge.
“In battles, he proved himself to be a skillful organizer, strong-willed and resourceful commander, while being in the most critical areas of the battle, personally organized the battle directly in areas of operation of the battalions of the regiment. Correctly deploying forces Comrade Martynov helped the defeat of the Germans at the passes of Tsibishkha and Chamashkha.
As a result of well-organized battles by the regiment in the Reshevei areas, the Tsibishkha and Chamashkha passes 291 German soldiers and officers were killed and 31 wounded. In addition, spoils of war were captured.
In July of this year, Comrade Martynov led the battle on the Don near the village of Razdorskaya, where the battalion destroyed over 400 enemy soldiers and officers.”
Border guard Martynov went through the war and rose to the rank of commander of a border regiment, was also awarded the Order of Kutuzov III degree.
More information on Shevchenko can be found here
A digital image is found which portrays Major Martynov wearing this Order of the Red Star. This picture can be found in the picture gallery
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