Description
Group of Soviet Awards
Awarded to Major Sergey Grigorievich Zakharov (Сергей Григорьевич Захаров)
For exceptional bravery and skill as a pilot during his 83 combat sorties on the IL-2 aircraft across multiple fronts. He played a critical role in destroying 31 enemy aircraft on the ground, personally downing FW-190s, and eliminating a tank, vehicles, and artillery positions
This group of Soviet awards consists of the following items:
Order of the Red Banner #117855
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 45.10 mm in height, 37.02 mm in width and weighs 26.2 grams without its suspension. The mint mark Monetni Dvor and the serial number are located at the bottom of its reverse.
In decent condition with medium wear to the raised areas like the center wreath and most details still visible. Its enamels are without repairs but show some chipping, most noticeably on the two arms of the center star and the top banner. The white enamels are well preserved without any damage. Both sides show an appealing dark patina and the double layer steel suspension is time period to the order. Its connection ring has not been cut and the order comes with its old ribbon.
Note that the awardee soldered a screwpost to the reverse of the order. This is often seen with pilots. They did this either to wear them without suspension or to prevent the Red Banner sweeping around when in combat.
Order of the Red Banner #186819
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 45.83 mm in height, 37.76 mm in width and weighs 29.1 grams without its suspension. The mint mark Monetni Dvor and the serial number are located at the bottom of its reverse.
In similar condition as the previous Red Banner with some damage to the red enamels but problem free white enamels. The patina to the silver is identical to the one above and this one also has a screw soldered on its reverse. Its connection ring has not been cut and the ribbon appears to be time period to the order with similar staining and wear as the ribbon of the other Red Banner
Order of the Patriotic War 1st class #99472
Made of solid gold, silver and enamels. Measures 45.49 mm in height, 43.35 mm in width and weighs 31.6 grams without its screwplate. The mint mark Monetni Dvor in one line is located at the top of its reverse and the serial number at the bottom.
In great condition with beautiful toning to the silver and gold and light wear to the raised areas. Its enamels are well preserved with some small dings and scratches only. Its screw has not been shortened and its well fitted silver screwplate is time period to the order.
Order of the Patriotic War 1st class #285594
Made of solid gold, silver and enamels. Measures 46.01 mm in height, 43.92 mm in width and weighs 30.8 grams without its screwplate. The mint mark Monetni Dvor in two lines is located at the bottom of its reverse as is its serial number.
In great condition with crisp details and a similar patern to the patina as the previous Order of the Patriotic War. Its white and red enamels are well preserved without repairs and show some small dings and scratches. Its screw has not been shortened and its well fitted screwplate is time period to the order.
Translation of the citations:
Order of the Red Banner # 117855
Brief, specific statement of personal military feat or merit:
Participating in the fight against the German invaders since November 15, 1943, Guards Junior Lieutenant Zakharov has completed 7 successful combat sorties, providing critical assistance to ground forces in their successful offensive operations in the Vitebsk and Orsha directions.
During combat on the 1st Baltic Front, Zakharov performed 6 successful sorties on the IL-2 aircraft, striking enemy positions in the Vitebsk and Novosokolniki sectors. On the 3rd Belorussian Front, in four days of offensive operations, he played a significant role in breaking through the enemy’s defenses in the Orsha area. His precise bombing, machine-gun, and cannon fire inflicted heavy losses on the enemy’s manpower and equipment.
On June 23, 1944, during a mission in the area south of Vitebsk, Zakharov, as part of a group of 24 aircraft, attacked and destroyed enemy artillery positions, making seven successful combat sorties in a single day. On June 24, 1944, during another combat sortie, Zakharov set fire to two vehicles, suppressed two anti-aircraft gun positions, and provided cover for his group, enabling them to successfully complete their mission without losses. The group destroyed 10 enemy vehicles, 8 supply carts, and numerous enemy soldiers.
Displaying fearlessness, courage, and excellent piloting skills, Zakharov boldly engages in air battles with enemy fighters, providing critical support to his comrades. His skill and bravery have greatly assisted ground forces in breaking through the enemy’s defenses.
For the successful execution of 13 combat sorties, demonstrating exceptional courage and valor in support of offensive operations, Guards Junior Lieutenant Zakharov is deemed worthy of the Order of the Red Banner.
Order of the Patriotic War 1st class #99472
Brief, specific statement of personal military feat or merit:
On the fronts of the Great Patriotic War since October 1943, participating in the fight against the German occupiers on the 1st Baltic, 3rd Belorussian, and 1st Ukrainian Fronts, Guards Lieutenant Zakharov carried out 34 successful combat missions on the IL-2 aircraft. For his successful execution of the first 13 sorties, he was awarded the Order of the Red Banner.
Since his last award, Guards Lieutenant Zakharov has continued to assist the ground forces of the Belorussian and Ukrainian Fronts in successful offensive operations, completing 21 additional combat missions. Courageous and accurate in his bombing, Zakharov bravely and decisively destroys enemy forces and equipment with machine gun and cannon fire.
On August 16 and 17, 1944, Zakharov participated in raids on the enemy airfield “Ligi” (3rd Belorussian Front). Despite strong resistance from anti-aircraft artillery and enemy fighters, his group of assault aircraft successfully destroyed 31 enemy planes on the ground and shot down 4 enemy fighters in air battles. Zakharov personally downed one enemy Fw-190, which was confirmed by photographic evidence.
On January 15, 1945, in the area of Miechów, as part of a group of four IL-2 aircraft, Zakharov attacked a concentration of enemy tanks and vehicles. Despite heavy anti-aircraft fire, he suppressed two anti-aircraft gun positions with cannon and machine gun fire, bombed and disabled a tank, and set a vehicle on fire.
On January 20, 1945, Zakharov, in a group of eight IL-2 aircraft, attacked enemy infantry, vehicles, and carts with supplies. The group made eight passes, destroying four vehicles and up to ten supply carts. Demonstrating exceptional piloting skills, Zakharov courageously engaged enemy fighters and protected the group from attack, contributing significantly to the successful advancement of ground troops.
For completing 21 combat sorties after his previous award and for demonstrating courage, skill, and valor, Guards Lieutenant Zakharov is deemed worthy of the Order of the Red Banner. [later changed to an Order of the Patriotic War 1st class]
Order of the Red Banner # 186819
Brief, specific description of personal military feat or merit:
Since October 1943, Guards Lieutenant Zakharov has participated in combat operations on the 1st Baltic, 3rd Belorussian, and 1st Ukrainian Fronts, completing 34 successful combat sorties on the IL-2 aircraft. For the successful execution of four combat missions, he was previously awarded the Order of the Red Banner and the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Degree.
After his last award, while participating in operations on the Ukrainian Front, Zakharov conducted 24 additional successful combat sorties on the IL-2 aircraft. A brave, decisive, and proactive pilot, Zakharov’s precise and targeted fire inflicted heavy losses on the enemy’s manpower and equipment.
On March 1, 1945, as part of a group of eight IL-2 aircraft, Zakharov conducted a combat mission to eliminate enemy troops encircled in Breslau. His group made 14 attack runs, maintaining constant fire on enemy artillery positions and preventing the advance of their ground forces. His outstanding performance was noted by the ground forces’ guidance station, and the group’s successful actions were confirmed by photographs.
Zakharov displayed exceptional skill during the breakthrough of enemy defenses near Oppeln. On March 16, 1945, as part of a group of eight ILl-2 aircraft, he participated in a mission near Nimsdorf and Neusmanye, targeting a concentration of enemy vehicles. The area was defended by two anti-aircraft batteries. Working with his wingman, Junior Lieutenant Krolev, Zakharov suppressed one anti-aircraft battery with machine-gun and cannon fire, while the second pair in the group eliminated the second battery.
Thanks to Zakharov’s initiative, courage, and tactical skill, the group successfully completed its mission without losses, destroying up to 10 enemy artillery vehicles with cargo, as confirmed by photographs. Zakharov’s strike personally disabled one enemy vehicle.
For the successful execution of 24 combat sorties after his last award, contributing significantly to the advancement of ground troops, and for his courage and valor displayed in battle, Guards Lieutenant Zakharov is deemed worthy of the Order of the Red Banner.
Order of the Patriotic War 1st class #285594
Brief, specific description of personal military feat or merit:
Since October 1943, Guards Lieutenant Zakharov has participated in combat operations on the 1st Baltic, 3rd Belorussian, and 1st Ukrainian Fronts, completing 83 successful combat sorties on the IL-2 aircraft. For the successful execution of his first 58 combat sorties, he was awarded two Orders of the Red Banner and the Order of the Patriotic War 1st class.
Following his last award, Zakharov continued to assist the ground troops of the 1st Ukrainian Front in successfully conducting offensive operations to eliminate enemy troops encircled near Breslau, and supported the breakthrough of enemy defenses in the Dresden direction. During this period, he completed 25 additional combat sorties on the IL-2 aircraft, inflicting significant losses on the enemy’s manpower and equipment. A brave, decisive, and strong-willed pilot, Zakharov skillfully executed all assigned combat missions.
On March 28, 1945, as part of a group of eight IL-2 aircraft, Zakharov conducted a bombing and assault strike on the enemy stronghold at Leimerwitz. His group destroyed two tanks, suppressed the fire of a field artillery battery, and set fire to three vehicles. Zakharov personally set fire to one tank.
On April 17, 1945, Zakharov, as part of a group of six IL-2 aircraft, attacked enemy personnel and equipment in the Gross-Krausch area. As a result of a direct hit, four vehicles, up to 10 supply carts, and one ammunition depot were destroyed. Zakharov personally set fire to one vehicle, scattered and destroyed up to 30 enemy soldiers and officers. Over the target, the group was attacked by two FW-190 fighters. Zakharov skillfully repelled the attack on the lead aircraft with cannon and machine-gun fire, ensuring the group suffered no losses and successfully completed its mission.
In air battles, Zakharov is brave, decisive, and cold-blooded, skillfully using the powerful frontal fire of the IL-2 aircraft to repel enemy fighter attacks.
For the successful completion of 25 combat sorties after his last award and for the valor and courage displayed in battle, Guards Lieutenant Zakharov is deemed worthy of the Order of the Red Banner.[Later changed to an Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class and finally to an Order of the Patriotic War 1st class.
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