Description
Documented Group of an Order of the Red Star and a Medal for Combat Merit
Awarded to pilot(-instructor) and political commissar Vasiliy Anfalovich Pestunov (Василий Анфалович Пестунов)
For training 10 pilots, taking active part in the political activities and leading the political training course
The group consists of the following items:
Order of the Red Star #1553780
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 48.72 mm in width, 46.81 mm in height and weighs 30.1 gram without its screwplate. The mint mark is located above, and the serial number underneath the screw post.
The order is in excellent, well above average condition with beautiful enamels without repairs, chipping or scratches. The higher laying parts on its obverse show light wear only and most details are still visible. The screwplate is time period to the order and the screw has not been shortened.
Medal for Combat Merit #1779371
Made of silver and red lacquer. Measures 32.28 mm in diameter, 37.25 mm in height including its eyelet and weighs 18.3 gram without its suspension.
The medal is also in excellent condition with all red lacquer present and crisp details. Both sides show an attractive patina and its connection ring has not been cut. Its brass suspension is time period to the medal as is its ribbon.
Award Booklet
The accompanying booklet mentions both awards above only and is in great condition with all pages firmly attached to the cover. It is numbered #276082
Brief and specific description of the personal feat or merits
“He has been working as an aviation technician of the Civil Aviation Fleet. During the Patriotic war since 1941, he has been the political commissar of the separate training aviation squadron. He efficiently led the Communist party and Komsomol activities, and thus achieved incident free operations and high level of pilot training. The aviation squadron trained 360 pilots with evaluation grades “Good” and “Excellent”, all without any flying incidents.
After the abolition of the institution of military commissars, he assumed the role of the commanders deputy for political work. In October 1943, he graduated from the training course with the evaluation grade “Excellent” and became a pilot. Working as a pilot-instructor, he trained 10 new pilots. He is disciplined, demanding towards himself and the subordinates. He takes active part in the political activities, leads the political training course. As the secretary of the local Communist organisation, he focuses the members to achieve goals set in the training pilot program. The squadron has been operating without any incidents, and from being a bad one it became one the best in the unit. During 1944, the squadron trained 96 new pilots with evaluation grades “Good” and “Excellent”.
For excellent work in training new pilots for the Airforce of the Red Army, he deserves state award. I recommend him for order “RED STAR””
The full translation of the citation can be read here
More information on Pestunov can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery is a scan of an image of Pestunov
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