Description
Group of Soviet awards: Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class, Red Stars and Early Medal for Combat Merit
Awarded to Guards Major Nikita Antonovich Bronnikov (Никита Антонович Бронников)
For his exceptional vigilance in identifying and detaining a spy, leading to the arrest of two German intelligence agents. He also risked his life visiting the front line during the capture of Königsberg and was involved in the battles in Crimea and at Stalingrad
This group consists of the following items:
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #337750
Made of gold, silver and enamels. Measures 48.38 mm in height, 45.84 mm in width and weighs 24.6 grams.
This order is in excellent condition, with minimal wear to the silver and no damage or repairs to the red and white enamels. The screw remains unshortened and is paired with its original period screwplate.
Order of the Red Star #649854
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 48.24 mm in width, 46.26 in height and weighs 27.9 grams.
In excellent condition with most details sharp and only light to moderate wear on raised areas. Both sides show few dings and scratches. The enamel is well preserved, with a small superficial chip on the top of the 3 o’clock ray only. The screw is unshortened and comes with its original silver screwplate.
Order of the Red Star #3261371
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 47.98 mm in width, 45.87 in height and weighs 30.5 grams.
In near mint condition with pristine enamels and virtually no traces of wear. Its screw has not been shortened and its screwplate fits perfectly well.
Medal for Combat Merit #273749
Made of solid silver and lacquer. Measures 32.16 mm in diameter and 2.25 mm in thickness. The height of the medal measures 37.21 mm (including the eyelet) and it weighs 17.4 grams without its suspension. The suspension measures 25.38 mm in width at its narrowest part and 31.57 at its widest point.
In above-average condition for an early wartime medal, with visible details and much of the original red lacquer in the “CCCP” lettering intact. The silver shows medium toning on both sides. It retains its original solid silver suspension, brass screw, nut, ribbon plate, and screwplate. The connection ring is uncut.
Medal for the Defence of Stalingrad with document
Made of brass. The medal weighs 15.9 grams without its suspension and measures 32.24 mm in width and 37.03 mm in height.
In excellent condition with its details still visible and uncut connection ring. The medal comes with its time period double layer suspension device.
Its accompanying document is in decent but worn condition and is numbered 17306 which matches the number on the (physically!) present register card.
Medal for the Victory over Germany with document
Made of brass. The medal weighs 17.2 grams without its suspension and measures 32.13 mm in diameter.
In good condition with much detail and luster present. Its accompanying document is in problem free condition and it too has a matching number with the register card.
Medal for the Capture of Königsberg with document
Made of brass. The medal weighs 16.2 grams without its suspension and measures 32.07 mm in diameter.
In great condition with crisp details and much of the original gold-like luster present. Its accompanying document is in problem free condition.
Jubilee Medal 30 Years of the Armed Forces of the USSR with document
Made of brass. The medal weighs 17.0 grams without its suspension and measures 32.15 mm in diameter.
In similar condition to the campaign medals with crisp details and relatively few dings and scratches. Its document is problem free condition.
Order Booklet
In excellent condition with all pages present and firmly attached to the cover. It mentions all numbered medals above.
Register Card and Service Record Card
This grouping comes with the ORIGINAL register and service record card of Major Bronnikov. This is seldom seen and is unclear how these documents ended up in this lot!
Translation of the citation of the Medal for Combat Merit:
Comrade BRONNIKOV N.A. was dispatched to the village Starocherkasskoe (Aksay district, Rostov region) on 11 February 1943with mission to admit new recruits for the reinforcement of 84 Guards rifle regiment. Among the new recruits, he detected an unknown citizen, who hadn’t any documents verifying his identity. He took appropriate action and detained the aforementioned individual and reported him to the spacial service personnel.
Interrogation revealed, that the detained by BRONNIKOV person was a spy of German intelligence service. In the course of the investigation, he revealed his spy accomplice, who was also detained and exposed as a German spy.
Thanks to comrade BRONNIKOV’s vigilance, 2 German spies were arrested and exposed.
He is efficient in his main work duties as personnel department officer and an aide to the regiment Chief of Staff. Comrade BRONNIKOV Nikita Antonovich deserves state award medal “FOR COMBAT MERITS”.
The full translation can be read here
Translation of the citation of the Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class:
Comrade Captain Bronnikov took part in the battles in East Prussia for the capture of the fortress city of Königsberg. He proved himself as a brave, determined, and initiative-driven head of the personnel department of the division. In a complex situation, under the conditions of offensive combat, Comrade Bronnikov organized the work of the personnel department clearly and efficiently, ensured proper officer accounting and timely replenishment. Under difficult conditions and during a short period, he prepared and submitted to the government for awards about 4000 people. He provided materials to the 3rd Belorussian Front.
Comrade Bronnikov, while being under artillery fire, personally delivered documents to the 217th rifle regiment. Despite the difficult environment, he managed to fully support the division’s personnel documentation needs.
Due to his skillful guidance and control of the work of the personnel officers, Comrade Bronnikov ensured the division’s continued success and precise performance of assignments.
Translation of the citation of the Order of the Red Star:
Guards Captain Bronnikov has served with the division since its formation. He completed the combat path from the division’s formation in Stalingrad to Sevastopol.
Before combat operations in Sivash, he staffed subunits with officer personnel, and in addition, selected 74 officers from the army reserves for the division.
Company commanders noted that, during the battles in Crimea, he quickly replenished units with officers, which contributed to the success of the division in combat operations.
During the entire combat period, he selected and deployed into the combat ranks 173 officers. He certified 180 personnel for government awards.
He personally visited the front lines during combat and risked his life, studying the officer composition and working closely with the subunits.
More information on Major Bronnikov can be found here
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