Description
Soviet Medal for Combat Merit #525144
Awarded to Master Sergeant Konstantin Mikhailovich Lotishvili (Константин Михайлович Лотишвили)
For boldly transporting ammunition and provisions to the front line and evacuating wounded troops regardless of the conditions
Made of solid silver and lacquer. Measures 32.27 mm in diameter and 2.23 mm in thickness. The height of the medal is 37.33 mm including the eyelet and it weighs 17.7 gram without its suspension.
The medal for Combat Merit is in great, well above average condition with its details mostly crisp. There are several small dings and scratches but all of the red lacquer is still present. Its connection ring has not been cut although it looks to be on some of the pictures. The medal comes with its time period suspension and old ribbon.
Brief excerpt of his accomplishments:
Medal for Combat Merit nr. 525144 was awarded on August 11, 1943 to Master Sergeant Konstantin Mikhailovich Lotishvili, driver and squad leader in the 568th Independent Motorized Supply Company, 414th ‘Georgian’ Rifle Division, 58th Army, North Caucasus Front. Lotishvili served as a driver in the transport company since August 1942. He proved to be a disciplined, energetic, proactive and honorable leader. He skilfully and eagerly passes on his knowledge to his comrades. During the fighting at Ishchersk and Tomazov he boldly transported ammunition and provisions to the front line and evacuated wounded troops. Regardless of the conditions, his vehicle functions smoothly. Lotishvili was born in 1909 and served in the Red Army from June 1941 to November 1945. He was also awarded a Red Star in June 1944.
According to the register card Sgt. Loptev was issued a duplicate. This medal however is his original so it might have been lost in combat and found later. Also worth mentioning; Sgt. Loptev was registered as KIA, but in reality he survived and continued the service. His alleged grave and KIA report can be found in the picture gallery.
More information on Sgt. Lotishvili can be found here
Please contact us with questions
