Description
Complete Group of Soviet Awards
Awarded to Guards Sr. Sergeant Dmitriy Semenovich Kostrubin (Дмитрий Семенович Кострубин)
For exceptional bravery and leadership in multiple engagements on the Western and Belarusian fronts. Kostrubin stormed enemy trenches and pillboxes and personally killed numerous German soldiers including two officers in close combat. Kostrubin was wounded twice
Note that Kostrubin’s first award, the Medal for Bravery, was officially bestowed in 1942. However, since it lacks a serial number, it was issued to him much later after the war. Probably due to a bureaucratic oversight
The group consists of the following items:
Order of the Red Star #675160
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 49.94 mm in width, 47.65 mm in height and weighs 28.3 grams without its screwplate. The mint mark is located above, and the serial number underneath the screw post.
The order shows moderate to heavy wear on the raised areas of the center medallion, though a fair amount of detail remains visible. The enamel is intact and well preserved on four of the five rays; the 12 o’clock ray has been restored, likely long ago and probably by the recipient himself. The reverse is in better condition and displays the pitted surface typical for this number range. The screwpost remains full-length, and the order is accompanied by a well-fitted wartime screwplate.
Medal for Bravery without serial number
Made of solid silver. Measures 36.97 mm in width, 42.03 mm in height and weighs 27.8 grams.
In excellent condition with light wear and all details crisp. Its obverse shows several dings and scratches but none distract from the overall appeal of the medal. All of the enamels filling the lettering are present and without repairs and its cut connection ring has not been cut.
Medal for Bravery #286668
Made of solid silver. Measures 37.31 mm in width, 42.63 mm in height and weighs 27.0 grams.
Originally awarded on a rectangular suspension, this piece was later remounted on a medal bar with pentagon-shaped slots, in accordance with the 1943 regulations on Soviet award wear.
It is in decent but worn condition, with most details still visible and moderate wear to the raised areas. A small amount of the original red lacquer remains, though it’s obscured by a thick layer of dirt. Both sides display a light silver patina, and the connection ring is intact and uncut.
Medal for Combat Merit #412946
Made of solid silver. Measures 32.05 mm in width, 37.24 mm in height and weighs 17.7 grams.
This piece too was originally awarded on a rectangular suspension before it was mounted on the medal bar. Its in similar condition as the previous medal and shows apx 50% of the original lacquer. Its connection ring has not been cut.
Medal for the Victory over Germany
Made of gold plated brass. Measures 32.03 mm in diameter, 36.19 mm in height and weighs 17.3 grams.
The medal is in great condition with light wear and most details crisp. Much of the original gold-like luster is still visible.
Translation of the citation for the Order of the Red Star:
Kostrubin Dmitriy Semenovich – guard’s senior sergeant, commander of crew of 82mm mortar of 2nd rifle battalion of 241 guard’s rifle regiment of 75 guard’s rifle Bahmach Red Banner order of Suvorov division.
In combats on 1st Belarusian front in June 25, 1944 during breaking enemy’s defense in region of village Selischevo showed himself as steadfast and courageous soldier.
Despite on heavy artillery-mortar enemy’s fire he was among the first to burst into enemy’s trenches and killed 8 German soldiers.
Translation of the citation for the Medal for Bravery without serial number:
Kostrubin Dmitriy Semenovich – senior sergeant, commander of squad of separate training rifle company of 164 rifle division.
Kostrubin in combats with German’s invaders near settlement Smetskie Veselki with his squad burst into enemy’s pillbox and killed Germans which were located there.
During attacks he led bravely and courageously, with screaming “for Motherland, for Stalin” called soldiers into attack.
Deserves awarding by medal “for Bravery”.
Translation of the citation for the Medal for Bravery #286668:
Kostrubin Dmitriy Semenovich – senior sergeant, commander of department of separate training rifle company of 164 rifle division.
Kostrubin Dmitriy Semenovich participated in combats with Germans invaders on Western Front and was wounded twice. In close-range combat he killed 2 German officers and captured their weapons and documents.
During offensive and defensive combats of division Kostrubin worked as commander’s helper of mortar platoon.
Under his management platoon performed special task of command on protection of battlefield’s sides and joints between regiments of division in regions of Vysokoe, Lukino and Kurkino.
During strengthening of front line cadets of mortar platoon under heavy enemy’s fire performed norms on engineering works on 200-300%.
Kostrubin deserves Governmental award order “Red Star”.
Medal for Combat Merit #412946:
2. Guard Senior Sergeant Kastrubin Dmitriy Semenovich, commander of an 82mm mortar crew, took part in combat on the Belarusian Front near elevation 139.1 in the Gomel region. His crew destroyed three enemy machine-gun positions and repelled a counterattack by 40 German soldiers.
The full translation can be read here
More info on Sgt. Kostrubin can be found here
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