Description
Soviet Order of the Red Star #226669
Awarded to Colonel Nikolaj Porfirievich Kuzmin (Николай Порфирьевич Кузьмин)
For the construction of defensive fortifications at the Bryansk front between Stalingrad and Saratov
Made of silver and enamels. The order measures 48.77 mm in width, 46.53 mm in height and weighs 28.9 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 separate round base ‘heel’ of the screw.
This stunning piece is in excellent, well above average condition. Its details are crisp and the higher laying parts on the soldier show light wear only. The enamels are beautiful and without repairs with almost no dings or scratches. The reverse is in excellent condition too and shows an appealing dark patina. The screwpost is full length and the order comes with its time period silver screwplate.
An early award in excellent condition for a civilian during the Siege of Leningrad. Scarce as such!
Brief and specific description of the personal feat or merits:
Colonel KUZMIN has been working as the deputy head of the fortified area of the headquarters of the Bryansk front since April 1942. He dedicated a lot of effort and energy to the effective utilisation of the engineering surveillance parties and to the control over the construction of the following defensive fortifications: the outskirts of the Voronezh town, the strategic line along the Don river, the fifth intermediate defence line between Stalingrad and Saratov. He also greatly aided to the quick escalation of the works for constructing Yelets, Efremov, Lebedan, Vodopyanovsk, Plavsk, Dankovskij, Gorbachevskij, Teplovskij, and Volovsk fortified areas. All this works were done in the sever lack of the construction organisations.
During all this time, comrade KUZMIN went out to the field and guided the works. He performed well in this task. Being on the move all the time, visiting the sites in the field, comrade KUZMIN didn’t receive proper food, which, may be asserted, caused his illness: gastric ulcer.
For diligent and fruitful work, for the spent energy and effort in strengthening the defensive lines – colonel KUZMIN deserves a state award – order “RED STAR”.
The complete translation of the research can be read below:
More information on Col. Kuzmin can be found here
Please contact us with questions
