Description
Documented group of Awards
Awarded to Guards Major Vitalij Stanislavovich Skulsky (Виталий Станиславович Скульский)
For exceptional leadership and personal initiative in armored logistics, evacuation, and battlefield repair during intense combat operations from 1944–1945 including the Berlin campaign. He personally supervised evacuations and repairs under fire, coordinated rail and air deliveries, and oversaw the recovery and repair of hundreds of tanks, self-propelled guns, and motorcycles
This group consists of the following items:
Order of the Patriotic War 1st class #191722
Made of solid gold, silver and enamels. Measures 44.77 mm in height, 43.50 mm in width and weighs 29.9 grams without its screwplate.
In excellent condition with crisp details and light overall wear. The gold base shows virtually no dings or scratches on either side and the order has never been disassembled. The red and white enamels are beautiful and free from repairs and show a minor superficial chip on the 7 o’clock ray, barely noticeable with the naked eye. Its screw has not been shortened and the order comes with its time period and well fitted silver screwplate.
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #511242
Made of solid silver, gold and enamels. Measures 44.39 mm in width, 46.55 in height and weighs 27.0 grams without its screwplate.
In superb condition its original gold plating around the edges of the 5 pointed star and original luster still present. The red and white enamels are extremely well preserved without repairs, chipping or scratches. Its screw has not been shortened and the order comes with its time period screwplate which fits well.
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #511243
Made of solid silver, gold and enamels. Measures 44.45 mm in width, 46.26 in height and weighs 26.9 grams without its screwplate.
In equally excellent condition as the previous Order of the Patriotic War with flawless enamels and crisp details. It too comes with its period correct screwplate and unshortened screw.
Order of the Red Star #383694
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 48.39 mm in width, 46.23 in height and weighs 28.1 grams without its screwplate.
In overall good condition with crisp details and an appealing patina to the silver .An enamel chip is visible at the very tip of the 12 o’clock ray but are otherwise well preserved and without repairs. The order comes with its time period and well fitted silver screwplate.
Order of the Red Star #3420239
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 48.01 mm in width, 46.26 in height and weighs 30.0 grams without its screwplate.
In near mint condition with flawless wine red enamels and crisp details. Even the facial features of the soldier are perfectly crisp. Its screw has not been shortened and its screwplate fits well.
Medal for Combat Merit #2465165
Variation with U-shaped eyelet. Made of solid silver and lacquer. Measures 37.10 mm in height (incl. the eyelet), 32.04 mm in width and weighs 17.5 gram without its suspension.
In great condition with few traces of wear. The red lacquer filling the lettering is fully present without repairs and both sides show an appealing patina to the silver. The medal comes with its time period double layer steel suspension and old ribbon and its connection ring has not been cut.
Order Booklet mentioning all awards above with original image
The group is accompanied by its original order booklet which is in good condition with all pages present and firmly attached to the cover. The booklet comes with an original picture of Major Skulsky which at some point was glued on the first page.
Scarce set. Note the consecutive numbers of his Orders of the Patriotic War 2nd class!
Translation of the citation for the Order of the Patriotic War 1st class #191722:
Guards Major Skulskiy V.S., serving as Chief of Frontline Armored Depot No. 663 since November 1944, ensured uninterrupted supply of combat units with tank parts despite very difficult conditions: shortage of transport, untrained personnel, no mechanization, constant unloading work, and frequent redeployments.
Thanks to his organization, not a single tank was delayed due to missing spare parts during either preparation or combat operations. Skulskiy personally supervised deliveries, often working without regard to his own health.
He ensured timely delivery of tank engines and essential assemblies, allowing fast restoration of damaged tanks. His personal initiative secured constant dispatch of parts by rail and aircraft.
Between 1 January 1945 and 15 February 1945, the depot shipped 350 motorcycles, many requiring urgent repair.
His leadership ensured uninterrupted support for tank units of the 2nd Belorussian Front.
He is disciplined, energetic, technically skilled, and respected by his staff.
He deserves the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Class.
Translation of the citation for the Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #511242:
Comrade Skulskiy, by assignment of the Rear Command, ensured uninterrupted delivery of tanks to industrial plants for repair. Despite lack of transport and trained personnel, he organized evacuation of damaged vehicles and transferred over 800–900 tanks and self-propelled guns for major repair.
During the Berlin operation he efficiently handled evacuation and repair of tanks, which ensured timely restoration.
Since November 1944, serving as Deputy Head of Armored Depot No. 663, he ensured winter readiness of newly delivered tank models.
Thanks to his work, the depot functioned smoothly despite shortages of workers and equipment.
He is disciplined, energetic, decisive, and fully deserving of the Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class.
Translation of the citation for the Order of the Red Star #383694:
In the short period (5 months) since organisation of 151 army level wrecked vehicles collection point, comrade SKULSKY has managed to repair on the battlefield 2 tractors and 2 trucks. Also, in the course of 3 months, under his leadership, tanks were loaded and shipped back to factories for overhaul: 175 of T-34 tanks, 85 of T-70 and T-60 tanks, 49 of KV tanks, and also captured 39 enemy tanks and 15 armoured personnel carriers. During the combat period, comrade SKULSKY went himself to the front line, where he organised salvage of spare parts from knocked out tanks: 3 engines, 4 transmission boxes, 13 friction clutches. SKULSKY is a brave and decisive officer, who possesses great organisational qualities.
Comrade SKULSKY deserves state award order “RED STAR”.
The full translation of the register card and citation for his Red Star can be readbelow:
More information on Major Skulsky can be found here
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