Description
Documented Group of Soviet Awards
Awarded to Lt. Viktor Pavlovich Shpakov (Виктор Павлович Шпаков)
Rare Naval group in near mint condition and with amazing research
This documented group of Soviet awards consists of all Shpakov’s numbered awards:
Order of the Red Banner #90456
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 45.45 mm in height, 37.61 mm in width and weighs 22.3 gram without its suspension. The mint mark Monetni Dvor and the serial number are located at the bottom of its reverse.
This original order is in perfect condition with stunning enamels and full gold plating. Even the higher laying parts show no wear which is exceptionally rare for an early wartime suspension Red Banner. Its reverse shows an appealing dark patina and there have been no repairs. The double layer suspension is time period to the order and its connection ring has not been cut.
This order is literally impossible to upgrade. Take special note of the details of the center wreath and the torch!
Order of the Patriotic War 1st class #38170
Made of solid gold, silver and enamels. Measures 44.80 mm in height, 43.97 mm in width and weighs 28.7 gram without its screwplate. The mint mark Monetni Dvor in two lines is located at the top of its reverse and the serial number at the bottom.
In near mint condition. All details are crisp and even the higher laying parts show no wear. The screw has not been shortened and its silver screwplate is time period to the order.
Like the previous one, this early screwback order order is literally impossible to upgrade!
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #392597
Made of silver gold and enamels. Measures 46.42 mm in height, 44.04 mm in width and weighs 27.0 gram without its screwplate. The mint mark Monetni Dvor and the serial number are located at the bottom of its reverse.
This order is in perfect condition with problem stunning enamels and crisp details. There have been no repairs and the silver screwplate is time period to the order.
Note the original silver plating on its obverse which is normally only seen with 1985 Jubilee Orders of the Patriotic War 2nd class!
Medal for Combat Merit #23403
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 32.27 in diameter, 36.47 mm in height and weighs 22.7 gram without its suspension.
The medal is in excellent condition with crisp details and flawless enamels. Its original rectangular suspension has been replaced by a pentagon shaped one as was required by the new 1943 regulations on wearing Soviet awards.
Order Booklet
In excellent condition with all pages firmly attached to the cover. The booklet mentions all awards above and is numbered A 204720
Translation of the citations:
Order of the Red Banner
” He participated in the Mithridat operation. He trained and prepared the personnel for the important combat mission. In the conditions of sting enemy fire
opposition, when the landing craft formation was disrupted, he assumed the combat control over the force and assured the continuation of the combat mission. Also, on 12 November at the Gleyki district, he personally participated and encouraged others in putting off the fire at the ammunition depot, which was ignited by the enemy aerial bombardment. On 08 December, when our aircraft fell into the Kerch straight, he jumped into the water and swam 1500m to the rescue of our drowning pilot. ”
Order of the Patriotic War 1st class
” He participated in the landing operation to the town Kerch on the night 22-23 January 1943. Before the operation, he conducted extensive preparation work and talked to the personnel about the upcoming landing. He personally conducted personnel boarding on the landing crafts. During the fleet movement over the sea, he was on the landing craft №95 and personally directed its movement. Acted courageously and boldly during the actual landing stage. The landing craft №95 sustained 2 hits and comrade SHPAKOV coordinated the immediate repair efforts. Under the avalanche of enemy fire, the craft №95 approached the burning landing craft №31 and rescued 27 men, including 18 wounded, who received medical care. A close explosion next to the craft threw Jr. Lt. SHPAKOV overboard. Being wounded, he swam to the shore and was transported to a hospital. He deserves state award. ”
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class
“Being the deputy commander of the landing craft squadron, Jr. Lieutenant SHPAKOV participated in all its combat operations.
On 13 November 1943, at the Gleyki (a district in Kerch town), an enemy barrage ignited fire, which spread and threatened the explosion of the ammunition depot on the pier. Comrade SHPAKOV was near by and acted proactively, courageously, and resourcefully. He quickly organised firefighting efforts and saved the ammunitions.
On 09 December 1943, our fighter plane was shot down over the Kerch-Enikale straight. The aircraft fell into the water and sunk. The pilot was floating in the middle of the straight. Comrade SHPAKOV, risking his life, swam to the pilot 1,5 miles and rescued him. In this rescue effort, SHPAKOV was severely wounded, but despite that, he was on the landing craft the same night to participate in the Mithridat landing operation.
He deserves state award – order “Patriotic war II class”. ”
Medal for Combat Merit
“In the strugle against the German invaders during the battle for the town Feodosia, sailor SHPAKOV transported 8 severely wounded servicemen to the
hospital from around the different ships battle stations. In the other periods, he was was constantly engaged in servicing the wounded in the surgery room and taking them back to the resting quarters. He has been acting selflessly. He is worthy of medal “For Combat Merits”.
The Captain of the cruiser “Red Criema” of the Black sea Navy.”
The full translation of the citations can be found below:
Also included in the picture gallery are:
- The Mithridat-Kerch landing operation plan of 22 Jan 1944
- Image of the landing crafts of Azov Flotilla
- Losses report of Azov Flotilla
- An digital image of Lt. Shpakov
Please contact us with questions
