Description
Soviet Order of the Red Banner #268983
Awarded to Tank Commander Lieutenant Boris Alexandrovich Gerasimov (Борис Александрович Герасимов)
For braking through the enemy defence where he eliminated 120 enemy troops, 4 guns and 2 SPGs before his tank was hit by a Tiger Tank
For his heroic deeds Lt. Gerasimov was recommended for the titel ‘Hero of the Soviet Untion’
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 45.83 mm in height, 37.19 mm in width and it weighs 26.3 gram without its suspension. The serial number and curved mint mark are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse.
This order is in a nice, about average condition for a wartime Red Banner. The higher laying parts like the center wreath and torch show medium wear and its details are still visible. The enamels are problem free apart from a small repair on the left side of the top banner. It appears this has been done a long time ago. A fair amount of the gold plating is still present and the connection ring has been cut. The order comes with its time period double layer steel suspension and old ribbon.
The accompanying booklet is in excellent condition with all pages present and firmly attached to its cover. This award is the only one mentioned so technically this is a complete group.
In a nice ‘combat’ condition with amazing research. Rare as such!
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
“In the enemy defence breakthrough operation near the village Pasvaliečiai, Lieutenant GERASIMOV tank broke through 5km into the depth of the enemy defence, where he managed to eliminate unto 50 enemy troops and 4 guns. Near the village Spalvishki (Smilgiai), he bravely engaged 3 enemy SPGs, which were on an ambush position. He destroyed 2 of them and continued his mission. In the grove north of Spalvishki (Smilgiai), his tank was engaged by “Tigers”, was hit and disabled.
Being wounded, he was pulled out of the wreak by his mechanic-driver. Lieutenant GERASIMOV organised defence against the retreating enemy infantry troops. In this action, up to 70 enemy troops were eliminated, an enemy officer from one of the previously knocked out SPGs was taken prisoner.
With his bold and professional performance, Lieutenant GERASIMOV assured successful advance of the battalion, which in its turn assured successful breakthrough the enemy defence line.
For exemplary execution of the missions assigned by the Command, braking through the enemy defence and exhibited courage and bravery, Lieutenant GERASIMOV Boris Aleksandrovich deserves to be bestowed with the title “HERO OF SOVIET UNION”.”
More info on Lt. Gerasimov can be found here
In the picture gallery a scan can be found of a map of the 19th Tank Corps in Smilgiai (11 Aug 1944)
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