Description
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #21790
Awarded to Jewish Major of the Medical Corps Semyon Lvovich Brodsky (Семен Львович Бродский)
For demonstrating exceptional dedication during division preparation and combat operations. He efficiently managed medical services, personally organizing and leading the evacuation of wounded soldiers. His efforts resulted in the treatment of 2941 wounded at the main divisional medical facility
Made of solid silver, gold and enamels by the Krasnokamsky Mint (KMD). The order measures 43.32 mm in width, 46.24 mm in height including the eyelet and it weighs 27.0 grams without its suspension and 36.7 grams with suspension but without its nut. The suspension measures 32.29 mm in width at its widest point and 21.41 mm in height at its narrowest part (without the eyelet). The serial number is located at the 7 o’clock position. The minimum known number of this variation is 12655 and the maximum known number is 32653.
In excellent, above average condition for a suspension type Order of the Patriotic War. All parts original an much of the gold plating still present. Its details are all visible and crisp and both sides show several dings and scratches to the silver base but none distracting from the overall appeal of the order. The white enamels are all present and extremely well preserved and the red enamels on the 12 o’clock ray of the red star are replaced but are otherwise problem free and original. Its connection ring has not been cut and and the order comes with its original screwplate.
Scarce early type with all parts original
Brief and specific description of the personal feat or merits:
Major BRODSKY has been working as the chief division medic since March 1942, and in our division since May 1942.
During the period of division preparation for combat operations, he personally actively participated and dedicated great effort to the cause of training of the medical personnel and their cohesive operations.
During the combat period of the division during 25.07.1943 – 03.08.1943 and 21 – 28.08.1943, comrade BRODSKY conducted great effort organising rapid first medial aide to the wounded and their evacuation to the battalion and regiment level medical points, as well as main divisional medical facility.
He proved himself as an efficient manager of medical service on the battlefield.
Acting bravely, energetically, and exceptionally persistently, he personally ventured along the trenches organising and leading evacuation of the wounded.
Thanks to his personal participation, attentiveness, and care, the evacuation of the wounded and first medical aide was mostly conducted by his subordinate medical personnel. The fact, that 2941 wounded were treated by the main divisional medical facility indicates the intensity and efficient organisation established by Major BRODSKY. Parallel to this activity, he exhibited initiative and organised a team of recovering personnel, which was used to provide reinforcements to the division in the moments of intensive fighting. During the combat period, about 300 men lightly wounded were treated and returned as reinforcement to the combat ranks.
For exceptional organisational efficiency, for bravery and decisiveness in taking parental care of the Red Army soldiers, for prompt medical aide enabling combat operations of the division, he deserves order “RED BANNER”
The full translation can be read below:
More information on Major Brodsky can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery is the combat diary of the 11th Rifle Division (RD) on 27 July 1943, a map of the Leningrad front 11RD in September 1943, a map of the 11RD on 22 July 1943 and a scan of an image of Major Brodsky which shows him wearing this very same Order of the Patriotic War on suspnsion
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