Description
Documented Group of Soviet Awards
Awarded to Sergeant Maria Feliksovna Mitkevich married: Zinovieva (Мария Фениксовна Миткевич / Зиновьева)
For providing maternal care to wounded soldiers and officers during the most intense period of the Battle of Kursk, from July 5 to 8, 1943. Her unit was at the forefront of the German attack on the northern face of the bulge, a very demanding position for a medic. Mitkevich efficiently managed her team of nurses and prepared 225 wounded soldiers for surgery
The group consists of the following items:
Medal for Combat Merit #407171 with its medal booklet
Made of solid silver and lacquer. The medal itself measures 32.11 mm in diameter and 37.54 mm in height including the eyelet. It weighs 17.1 grams without its suspension and 25.2 grams with the suspension but without the nut. The eyelet is 5.83 mm in width and the suspension measures 25.28 mm in width at its narrowest point and 31.60 at its widest point.
The medal is in excellent, above average condition with several small dings and scratches and light to medium wear to the raised areas. Its details are still visible and the red lacquer filling the lettering CCCP remains in tact. The silver suspension is original as is the brass screw, the nut, the plate holding the ribbon and the screw plate tightening it all up. Its connection ring has been cut.
Its medal booklet is in good condition with all pages present and shows a very nice original picture of Sgt. Mitkevich. The booklet mentions this Medal for Combat Merit and two other medals. These other medals are unfortunately false entries and added by a scammer with aim of increasing the value of the grouping.
Medal for the Liberation of Prague with document
Made of brass. Measures 32.24 mm in width, 37.48 mm in height including the eyelet and it weighs 17.6 grams without suspension.
In excellent condition with few traces of wear and much of its original luster still present. The medal comes with its time period, double layer suspension.
Its accompanying document is in problem free condition and hold both sides firmly together.
Medal for the Capture of Berlin with document
Made of brass. Measures 32.37 mm in width, 37.55 mm in height including the eyelet and it weighs 17.9 grams without suspension.
In equally nice condition as the Liberation of Prague medal with few traces of wear and original double layer steel suspension.
Its accompanying document is in problem free condition and hold both sides firmly together.
Brief translation of the citation:
Sergeant of medical corps comrade MITKEVICH M.F. has been working in 163 separate medical battalion as a surgical nurse of surgical and dressing platoon. She proved herself as a kind-hearted and energetic junior commander, who took genuinely maternal care of wounded soldiers and officers.
During the combat period 05-08 July 1943, comrade MITKEVICH properly and promptly prepared 225 wounded for their operations and efficiently commanded team of nurses reporting to her.
Comrade MITKEVICH fully deserves high state honour medal “FOR COMBAT MERITS”.
08 July 1943 Signed by the commander of 163 separate medical battalion /GRINSHPUN/
More information on Sgt. Mitkevich can be found here
Also present in the picture gallery is a battle map of the 81st Rifle Division at the Kursk battle on 06 July 1943
Please contact us with questions
