Description
Complete Group of Soviet Orders of the Red Banner #98374 and Red Star #1065296 with document
Awarded to (Guards) Lieutenant Nikolaj Mikhailovich Yatsun (Николай Михайлович Яцун)
For being the first to rush into the enemy trenches and capturing 2 light machine-guns, personally capturing 3 enemy prisoners with valuable information and eliminating 137 soldiers with his platoon
Order of the Red Banner #98374
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 45.21 mm in height, 37.20 mm in width and it weighs 24.3 grams without its suspension. The serial number and mint mark are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse. Above the mint mark in the center dimple, an ‘8’ is stamped, often referred to as a ‘makers mark’.
In excellent, well above average condition for a wartime and early suspension piece. Its details are perfectly crisp and even the higher laying parts like the center wreath and torch show light wear only. The red and white enamels are almost fully present and problem free apart from some minor superficial flaking. Virtually all of the original gold plating is still present on both sides its reverse shows an appealing dark patina to the silver. The order is without repairs and comes with its time period double layer steel suspension and uncut connection ring.
Note the light counter relief reverse which is sometimes -but not often- seen with these early suspension types.
Order of the Red Star #1065296
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 49.63 mm in width, 47.75 mm in height and weighs 30.5 grams without its screwplate. The serial number is located at the 6 o’clock position and the mint mark on the 12 o’clock position of its reverse.
In great, well above average condition. Its details are mostly visible and even the higher laying parts on the soldier show light wear. The enamels are stunning with minor contact marks only. There have been no repairs and the screw is full length. The order comes with its time period and well fitted screwplate.
Order Booklet
In problem free condition with all pages present and still attached to it cover. The booklet is numbered ‘Б 680198’ and mentions these two orders only.
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements (for the Red Banner):
Lieutenant YATSUN proved himself as brave and courageous officer in the combat engagements against the German invaders. In an offensive engagement for capture the hills №5 and №6 on 23 July 1943, he and his platoon skilfully flanked the enemy. He was the first to rush into the enemy trenches and captured 2 light machine-guns. On 10 September 1943, his platoon was assigned the combat mission for capturing an enemy control prisoner [officer with the aim of getting information]. Comrade YATSUN and his platoon performed excellently in this mission. With a swift and decisive push, they rushed the enemy trench and assaulted the enemy dugouts and pillboxes with their hand grenades. They captured a control prisoner and returned back without any losses. In the course of the war, his platoon eliminated 137 enemy troops. In the offensive operation since 16 September 1943, comrade YATSUN managed to lead his platoon without personnel losses and maintained their combat moral of a good level. Neither there were any equipment losses in the platoon.
The full translation of the citation can be read here
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements (for the Red Star):
In the offensive operation since 12.01.1945, comrade YATSUN was performing the duties of the divisional headquarters commandant. He always promptly provided quarters to the headquarters sections and established the security around them, which provided for proper and efficient headquarters functioning.
In the night on 20 January 1945, while seeking proper quarters in one of the settlements, he encountered 3 German officers hiding in a house. Risking his life, he disarmed them and delivered to the headquarters. These prisoners provided valuable intelligence.
For efficient organisation and location of the quarters to the divisional headquarters sections, for providing tight security, for capturing 3 German officers, he deserves state award – order “RED STAR”.
The full translation of the citation can be read here
More info on Lt. Yatsun can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery is a relevant battle map of the town of Grudna, a combat diary of the 117th Guards Rifle Division and a digital image of Lt. Yatsun
A truly beautiful and complete set with very interesting research!
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