Description
Order of the Red Star #107682
Awarded to Sr Lieutenant of the State Security Service (SMERSH) Pavel Vasilevich Kostrov (Павел Васильевич Костров)
For liquidating exposed deficiencies during the combat operations of 64 Army defending Stalingrad city and during the elimination of the encircled enemy pocket. His daily prophylactic work allowed him to expose and seize the activities of cowards, panic mongers, deserters, German spies, and other enemies of the Motherland
Made of silver and enamels. The order measures 47.80 mm in width, 46.52 mm in height and weighs 29.7 grams 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.
In superb, well above average condition with most details still visible and light wear to the silver medallion. The enamels are absolutely stunning and show some minor contact marks only, almost impossible to see with the naked eye. The reverse is in great condition too without any noticeable dings and scratches and shows a nice patina to the silver. There have been no repairs and the screwpost is full length. It comes with its time period and well fitted silver screwplate.
This order has it all… in excellent condition with great research to Stalingrad to a member of the infamous SMERSH. Very rare and desirable as such!
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
“From the first days of the Patriotic war against the German invaders, he has been on the forward line of struggle and participated directly in the work of the Special Department (Counter-intelligence) NKVD. First, on the Bryansk front, and later as part of the Special Department (Counter-intelligence) NKVD of 64 Army on the Stalingrad front. He proved himself as a steadfast and brave Cheka (State Security Service) operative and Communist.
Being the head of one of the main counter-intelligence sections of the Special Department (Counter-intelligence) NKVD of 64 Army, proved himself as a determined and courageous leader, who conducted extensive work in assisting the army Military Council in liquidation of the exposed deficiencies during the combat operations of 64 Army defending Stalingrad city and during elimination of the encircled enemy pocket.
His daily prophylactic work among the Red Army personnel, allowed him to expose and seize the activities of cowards, panic mongers, deserters, German spies, and other enemies of our Motherland. His effort contributed to the steadfast attitude of our army troops.
Comrade KOSTROV successfully implemented the order №227 issued by the Peoples Commissariat of Defence on establishing blocking detachments in 64 army. He daily led and coordinated 5 blocking detachments of the Special Department (Counter-intelligence) NKVD of our army. He is recommended for order “RED STAR”.”
The full translation of the research can be read below:
More information on Lieutenant Kostrov can be found here
In the picture gallery you will find a chart showing his career (link here for the webpage), an info sheet and some related pictures
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