Description
Documented Group of an Order of the Red Star and Glory 3rd class
Awarded to Guards Sergeant Sergey Andreevich Chistyak (Сергей Андреевич Чистяк)
For rolling out his gun on his own initiative destroying 3 machine guns, 5 bunkers and over 20 fascists. Later, during the offensive, the combat team was incapacitated leaving Chistyak alone at his gun reflecting counterattacks. Being injured he did not leave the gun and went on fighting the unequal battle and destroyed two machine guns and 7 fascists
Recommended for the order of the Red Banner
Order of the Red Star #202183
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 48.83 mm in width, 47.21 mm in height and weighs 29.3 grams without its screwplate.
The order is in decent condition with loss of enamel on the 9 o’clock ray of the star. This appears to have taken place a long time ago judging by its patina. The other rays are problem free without chipping, flaking or repairs. The higher laying parts on its obverse show light to medium wear and many details are still visible. The well fitted silver screwplate is time period to the order and its screw has not been shortened.
Order of Glory 3rd class #70836
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 46.64 mm in width, 48.48 mm in height and weighs 23.3 grams without its suspenion.
The order is in great condition with well preserved enamels; no loss or repairs. The higher laying parts on its obverse show some wear but most details are still visible. Its double layer suspension is time period to the order and its connection ring has not been cut.
Award Booklet
The group is accompanied by an order booklet mentioning both awards only. The booklet is in excellent condition with all pages present and firmly attached to its cover.
Translation of the citation for the Order of Glory 3rd class:
Comrade Chistyak supported an infantry attack with the fire of his gun in the battle for the right bank of the river Dnieper near the island of Pushkarevskoe. The Germans poured our infantry with a hail of bullets. The attack was delayed. Comrade Chistyak rolled out his gun to an open position on its own initiative and destroyed 3 machine guns, 5 bunkers and more than 20 fascists with direct fire. The infantry captured the enemy positions in a bold throw. During the offensive, the combat team was incapacitated. Comrade Chistyak was left alone at the gun, reflecting counterattacks, thus injured he did not leave the gun and went on, carrying on an unequal battle. Comrade Chistyak destroyed two machine guns and 7 fascists.
For his bravery in battle, courage and initiative he is worthy being awarded with the governmental award order “Red Banner”.
The citation of the other Order of the Red Star was not found online unfortunately but appears to be for fighting at Stalingrad as it was awarded for actions in January 1943 while in the 58th Guards Rifle division (see register card). Maps and further information on this can be found in the picture gallery.
More information on Sergeant Chistyak can be found here
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