Description
Soviet Order of Alexander Nevsky #25593
Awarded to Guards Captain Boris Iosifovich Petrovsky (Борис Иосифович Петровский)
For raising barricades, laying mines at bridges and demolishing a German stronghold (Buda Castle) under enemy machine-gun and mortar fire
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 51.09 mm in height, 49.47 mm in width and weighs 44.1 gram without its screwplate. The serial number and the mint mark Monetni Dvor are located at the 6 o’clock position underneath the screw.
This original order of Alexander Nevsky is in excellent condition with most details visible. The higher laying parts on the obverse show light to medium wear and much of the gold plating is still present. The enamels are problem free without chipping, flaking or repairs and show some small contact marks and dings only. Its screw has not been shortened and there have been no repairs. The order comes with its time period and well fitting silver screwplate.
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
“In the battle for Budapest (Buda district), he was constantly present in the battalion formation and personally controlled execution of all the combat missions, their timing and precision.
Under his leadership, 2 observation posts were constructed for the division commander, 3 bridges were mined in the city, 5 barricades were raised, and 3 mine fields were laid.
A 4 storey building, equipped by the Germans as a fortified strongpoint*, was demolished on the night to 03 January 1945 under the command of Guards Cpt. PETROVSKY. The objective was fulfilled despite the enemy machine-gun and mortar fire.
In all the combat missions, Guards Cpt. PETROVSKY always inspired his men by personal example. He deserves state award – order “ALEKSANDER NEVSKY””
* We believe the building mentioned in the citation is a part of the Buda castle. The combat diary describes that it housed 200 German troops and the walls were very thick and impenetrable. The heavy artillery could only beach the walls at 2-3 level, so it was not possible to climb. Then they tried with 850kg of TNT at the base, but this only gave a crack. The second similar explosion was required, but it never came because the situation changed (I think, the German garrison tried to break out of the encirclement).
The full translation of the citation can be read here
More info on Capt. Petrovsky can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery is a combat diary of the 109th Guards Rifle Division on 02 Jan 1945 and one of the 309th Guards Rifle Regiment on 03 Jan 1945
Please contact us if you have questions regarding this item
