Description
Order of the Red Banner Duplicate #104408 with Order Booklet
Awarded to heavy KV-1S tank commander Captain Vasilij Arkhipovich Vlasov (Василий Архипович Власов)
For proving himself an courageous officer in the fight against the Germans in August 1944, Latvia. His tank company was engaged in heavy fighting for 3 days straight days, being the first to enter the village Skuri and destroying 2 artillery batteries, burning 3 caterpillar trucks, and eliminating up to 40 soldiers
He was unjustly declared KIA in January 1943 during the Battle of Stalingrad but (sadly) a death certificate was sent out to his father
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 44.72 mm in height, 36.38 mm in width and weighs 24.3 gram without its suspension. The serial number and mint mark are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse. This duplicate has the typical small font stamped serial number.
In a excellent, almost mint condition. Its details are perfectly crisp and the stunning enamels are without any damage or repairs. The gold plating is fully present and both sides show few contact marks only. Its connection ring has not been cut and the double sided steel suspension and its ribbon are time period to the award. The old serial number has been erased and a new number was stamped by the mint. This was done in a very recognizable style.
The order comes with its order booklet which was given to Vlasov dated 31 March 1987 and numbered L 052874. Also present is the lot is an original picture of Vlasov and a certificate (справка) issued by the Kiselevsk City Military Commissariat on 18 August 1959
Duplicates were (rarely) given to awardees who lost their award due to exceptional circumstances beyond their control like combat or natural disasters
This order has it all: a scarce documented ‘Duplicate’ award in near mint condition with excellent research. Very hard to find!
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
Guards Captain VLASOV V.A. commanded a heavy tank company and proved himself as an experienced, decisive, and courageous officer in the fight against the German invaders during 17-19 August 1944 in a enemy defence breakthrough operation in the sector of Oļi – Jaunzemji – Šķūri.
His tank company supported 253 rifle regiment and was engaged in heavy fighting for 3 days straight.
17 August 1944, taking advantage of the terrain during artillery barrage, comrade VLASOV drove his company though forest and flanked an enemy artillery battery. He surpassed the artillery battery and routed the emery artillery crews.
His tank company was the first to enter the village Skuri. The tanks of his company destroyed 2 artillery batteries, burned 3 caterpillar trucks, and eliminated up to 40 enemy troops. They also captured 4 caterpillar trucks, an AA gun, and a self-propelled gun “Art-Sturm” [red. StuG III].
For exhibited courage and successful combat leadership of his company fighting the German invaders, he deserves state award order “RED BANNER”.
The full translation of the research can be found here
More info on Captain Vlasov can be found here
Also in the picture gallery:
- several scans of pictures of Vlasov (and his family),
- an infosheet,
- a page mentioning Vlasov as KIA in a memorial book,
- the KIA report of January 1943 at the Battle for Stalingrad,
- a picture of a KV-1S tank
Please contact us with questions
