Description
Soviet Order of the Red Star #174670
Awarded to Cossack Sr. Lieutenant Nikolaj Illarionovich Sapunov (Николай Илларионович Сапунов)
For personally leading an assault by the Cossacks and eliminating up to a platoon of the enemy infantry, rushing the enemy trench eliminating a German officer spotter and deactivating a mine near that trench
Made of silver and enamels. The order measures 47.57 mm in width, 46.51 mm in height and weighs 28.3 gram 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 with light to medium overall wear. The details are mostly visible and the enamels are flawless apart from some small scratches and contact marks. The reverse is in great condition too with few dings and scratches only. There have been no repairs and the screwpost is full length. It comes with its time period and well fitted silver screwplate.
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
“On 20 February 1943, he personally lead an assault by the Cossacks on the village Nedvinovka (?), where up to a platoon of the enemy infantry was eliminated.
In the assault at the hill 101 on 01 March 1943, SAPUNOV, accompanied by another cossack, advanced under strong enemy mortar and machine-gun fire. They rushed the enemy trench, where they eliminated one German officer spotter. He also deactivate a mine near the trench.
He deserves to be bestowed with state award – order “RED STAR”.
Commander of 37 Guards Red Banner order Cossack cavalry regiment
26 March 1943 – Guards Major – signature /NEDELEVICH/.”
The full translation of the citation can be read below
More information on Lieutenant Sapunov can be found here
Also in the picture gallery is a scan of a picture of Sapunov, a combat diary 37th Guards Cosack regiment, a map of German firing positions at Novoselovskaya on 3rd of March 1943 and scan of a picture of the banner of 37th Guards Cossack regiment
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