Description
Group consisting of an Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class and two Red Stars
Awarded to Major-General Petr Trofimovich Latun (Петр Трофимович Латун)
For showing exceptional leadership and dedication in both wartime and peacetime. During WWII, he ensured timely communication, coordinated frontline operations under fire, and maintained control over combat orders with tireless effort. Postwar, as a division commander, he improved combat readiness, discipline, and training, consistently achieving high results in inspections and unit performance
The group consists of the following items:
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #169131
Made of solid silver, gold and enamels. The order weighs 28.9 grams without its screwplate and measures 45.15 mm in width and 47.22 mm in height.
In excellent condition with all details crisp and light overall wear. The enamels are free from repairs and chipping and show some dings and scratches only. The order comes with its original, time period and well fitted screwplate and its screw has not been shortened.
Order of the Red Star #156766
Made of solid silver and enamels. The order weighs 30.2 grams without its screwplate and measures 48.42 mm in width and 46.59 mm in height. This early variation has a round base ‘heel’ of the screw.
In excellent, above average condition. The details of the raised areas of the center medallion are still visible and show light wear. The red enamels are well preserved and without repairs and show some small dings and scratches only. Its screw has not been shortened and the order comes with its time period and well fitted silver screwplate.
Order of the Red Star #3679232
Made of solid silver and enamels. The order weighs 30.5 grams without its screwplate and measures 48.55 mm in width and 46.46 mm in height.
The order is in near mint condition with all details crisp and light overall wear. Its enamels are extremely well preserved without chipping or repairs. Its screw has not been shortened and the order comes with its time period and well fitted nut.
Citation for the Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #169131:
Guards Major Latun P.T., during combat operations from June 24 to 28, 1944, during the breakthrough of the strongly fortified enemy defenses and in subsequent battles, demonstrated decisiveness, courage, and exceptional organization. Effectively leading the work of the operations section from June 24 to 29, 1944, Comrade Latun, through his dedicated efforts, ensured the Command received timely information on the situation, and also ensured proper work of the headquarters. He correctly positioned the officers of the operational group, which allowed for clear control over the execution of orders by the corps command directly on the battlefield.
Forgoing sleep and rest, Comrade Latun literally spent entire days working at his map, compiling reports, transmitting instructions and orders from the Corps Command to the subordinate units, controlling their execution, maintaining uninterrupted communications by any means, and often at risk to his life.
Thanks to his efforts, the entire operations section fulfilled the combat orders of the Corps Command on time.
For his efficiency and diligence in fulfilling combat tasks and timely reporting to the Command on the execution of orders, Comrade LATUN is deserving of the government award – the Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class.
Citation for the Red Star #156766:
Comrade Latun is a disciplined and courageous officer. Working as assistant chief of the operations section of the corps staff, he fully devoted his efforts to organizing and implementing the planning work of the corps headquarters. Comrade Latun, being meticulous and persistent, through his hard work ensured the execution of combat missions under any conditions, without regard for the difficulties or combat situation.
During battles he promptly organized and maintained uninterrupted communication between the command and the combat units, directly contributing to the successful execution of combat orders.
Comrade Latun repeatedly conducted inspections of the front line of defense and, under enemy fire, provided direct assistance in strengthening and organizing anti-tank and general defensive positions.
Comrade Latun performed any assigned task with a sense of duty and responsibility, with seriousness, achieving excellent and timely results.
Comrade Latun is deserving of the government award – Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class. [later downgraded tot Red Star]
Commander of the Headquarters of the 3rd Guards Rifle Corps
Guards Colonel Bezugly
April 24, 1943
Citation for the Red Star #3679232:
Major General LATUN P.T., in the position of division commander since January 1966. A disciplined, demanding, and strong-willed general. He fulfills his duties with initiative and a sense of responsibility. He has good knowledge of the statutes and regulations of the Soviet Army and applies his knowledge in practical work. He works systematically to improve his military and technical knowledge.
Comrade LATUN P.T. achieved significant successes in combat and political training of the division. He paid special attention to strengthening the personnel and mobilization readiness of the units, consistently directing all work toward fulfilling the socialist obligations.
Based on the results of the inspection of combat and political training conducted in May 1969, the division under his command received a good rating, confirmed by order No. 293 of October 23, 1969.
Military equipment, weapons, and property are kept in combat readiness. The personal discipline of officers, warrant officers, and the enlisted personnel is high. The work of party and Komsomol organizations, political and moral-psychological training, party education, and service is conducted with full responsibility.
Comrade LATUN is politically mature, ideologically firm, loyal to the cause of the CPSU and the socialist Motherland.
The recommendation of the Military Council (Protocol No. 01 dated 10.1.70):
**Conclusion**: For good results in combat and political training, maintaining constant combat and mobilization readiness, and active participation in public life, Comrade LATUN is deserving of the government award – the Order of the Red Banner. [Later downgraded to a Red Star]
Commander of the 13th Red Banner Army
General-Lieutenant Melnikov
January 8, 1970
More information on General Latun can be found here, here and here
“In memory of the heroes of the last days of the war” by General Latun:
This took place in the area of the town of Baruth, which is 30 kilometers south of Berlin. After the conclusion of the fighting in East Prussia, our unit began marching toward Berlin.
Morning broke: on April 26, 1945, a large group of fascists attacked our units near Baruth. Our troops took up positions along the highway. There, a large group of fascist soldiers and officers, surrounded near the southeastern approaches to Berlin, attempted to break out. From the German encirclement, they were trying desperately to break through in the direction of Baruth–Luckenwalde, in an effort to join the American forces. The fighting intensified. With each passing hour, the battle grew fiercer. The combat reached an unprecedented level of intensity. During this same time, brutal fighting was also taking place in Berlin itself.
Given the critical and tense situation, on April 28, 1945, the First Deputy Commander of the troops of the 1st Ukrainian Front, Army General A.A. Grechko, arrived by plane in the Baruth area. After personally assessing the situation, General Grechko ordered the command of the 68th Tank Corps to use all means necessary to stop the enemy breakthrough near Baruth. After issuing his orders, General Grechko departed for the front.
At that moment, the situation around Baruth was extremely tense: the battle had already lasted more than a day, and the enemy continued to concentrate large forces in an attempt to break through westward. Soviet soldiers fought bravely and steadfastly. Along the road between Luckenwalde and Baruth, numerous burned-out tanks, vehicles, bodies of German soldiers, and destroyed artillery could be seen. On April 29, 1945, several more large attacks were repelled. Captured enemy soldiers revealed during interrogation that they had tried to surrender to American forces, but were disarmed and sent back toward our lines.
On April 30, our units began clearing the enemy columns in the Baruth area. During these operations, Soviet officers and soldiers fell heroically. The fallen were buried with military honors. The funeral took place in the square of Baruth. Major Latushkin spoke on behalf of the unit and the local population. Flowers were laid on the graves, and schoolchildren from Baruth placed wreaths.
Although the war was nearing its end, the fighting continued to claim lives until the very last moments. After these battles, our group continued its march toward Luckenwalde.
Also included in the picture gallery is a digital image of Capt. Latun and his citation for his Order of the Patriotic War 1st class (which is not present in this lot)
Please contact us with questions
