Description
Complete Documented Group
Awarded to Guards Senior Sergeant Victor Aleksandrovich Sodomskiy (Виктор Александрович Содомский)
For ensuring the flawless performance of combat aircraft across hundreds of missions. He serviced over 150 combat and 437 training flights, carried out hundreds of high-quality field repairs, directly contributing to successful missions and the downing of enemy planes
Order of the Red Star #1476283
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 47.90 mm in width, 46.17 mm in height and weighs 28.9 grams without its screwplate.
The order is in excellent condition with problem free enamels without repairs and small dings and scratches only. The raised areas on its obverse show light wear and its details are still visible. The well fitted screwplate is time period to the order and its screw has not been shortened.
Medal for Bravery #156354
Made of silver and lacquer. Measures 37.23 mm in width, 42.02 mm in height and weighs 29.6 grams.
Originally awarded on a rectangular suspension this early Medal for Bravery had its suspension replaced by a pentagonal one after new regulations of June 19, 1943 on wearing the medal.
In nice, above average condition with most of the original red lacquer still present. The raised areas on its obverse like the tank show several dings but most details are perfectly visible. Both sides show a medium toning to the silver and its connection ring has not been cut.
Medal for Distinguished Labor with medal booklet
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 32.08 mm in width, 37.16 mm in height and weighs 16.7 grams.
In great condition with pristine enamels and crisp details. Its connection ring is uncut.
Medal for the Defense of Leningrad with document
Made of brass. Measures 32.11 mm in width, 37.67 mm in height and weighs 17.3 grams.
In good overall condition with several dings and scratches on both sides and most details still visible. Its connection ring has been cut.
Its document is in good condition and is numbered Ц 31056 and dated 3 October 1943 which matches the archival research perfectly.
Medal for the Victory over Germany with document
Made of brass. Measures 32.28 mm in width, 37.37 mm in height and weighs 17.1 grams.
In excellent condition with most details present and a good amount of its original luster still present on both sides.
Its document is in good condition and is numbered Z (З) 0005777 which matches the archival research.
Order Booklet
The group is accompanied by an order booklet mentioning both numbered awards above only. The booklet is in problem free condition with all pages present and firmly attached to the cover.
Translation of the citation for the Red Star:
In WWII participated from June 22, 1941 to March 1943 for excellent performing of command’s tasks on servicing of combat flights awarded by medal “for Courage”.
After last awarding plane serviced by Sodomirskiy performed 160 combat flights with total 161 flight hours and 05 minutes.
Sodomirskiy has rich experience of using of equipment and shared with other mechanics. He was best mechanic into unit, showing examples of caring of servicing plane. He work not only with his plane, also help to other and teach young mechanics.
Pilots, that flying on servicing by Sodomirskiy plane shot down 6 enemy planes. There is no single case of breaking or late for combat mission.
Performed 6 current and 348 small repairs with excellent quality and timely.
In June 15 on plane YAK-9 #89 after air combat was damaged expansion tank. Sodomirskiy changed it for half hour and to next flight plane was in full combat readiness.
In June 27, 1944 plane YAK-9 #71 needed dismantling gearbox with chain, eliminating oil leak, received task he performed during night for 6 hours, at morning plane was ready perform combat tasks.
In June 29, 1944 plane YAK-9 #15 after air combat received row of damages: chassis needed to be replaced, petrol tanks needed to be replaced, water system needed to be dismantled and installed, and a whole range of other minor jobs needed to be done. Through rich experience in work and excellent management skills Sodomirskiy repaired plane during one night and on next morning it perform combat tasks.
During breaking Leningrad blockade and expulsion of Germans from Estonia without rest he spent all forces and knowledges on performing of combat tasks on servicing of combat flights and improved his knowledge.
For excellent performing of combat tasks of command on servicing of combat flights, for courage and bravery, showed in work, submit and ask about awarding Sodomirskiy by order “Red Star”.
Translation of the citation for the Medal for Bravery:
5. Aviation mechanic of 2nd squadron guard’s sergeant of technical service SODOMSKIY Victor Aleksandrovich for that, he serviced 150 combat flights and 437 training flights. Performed 7 restoring repairs and 673 field repairs. Changed 4 engines, performed repairs on 40-50% faster, with excellent indicators of performed work. For 6 hours restored plane with damaged 15 and 16 frames, with damaged control ropes. For 9 hours he changed 2 cylinders and changed 7 cylinder rings. His plane flies without accidents through his fault, for what he received several gratitudes. By his selflessness work SADOMIRSKIY contributed success performing of combat tasks, assigned by command.
The full translation of the research can be read here
More information on Sergeant Sodomskiy can be found here
Please contact us with questions
