Description
Documented group of Soviet Awards
Awarded to Major Ilya Fedorovich Zagorsky (Илья Федорович Загорский)
For playing a vital role in developing the Junior Lieutenant Courses during the Leningrad blockade, serving first as a company commander and later as a tactics instructor. With 25 years of experience, he trained over a hundred officers, many of whom earned battlefield honors
The group consists of the following items:
Order of the Red Banner #149867
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 46.13 mm in height, 37.79 mm in width and weighs 26.1 gram without its suspension. The mint mark Monetni Dvor and the serial number are located at the bottom of its reverse.
Excellent overall condition with sharp details and much of the original gold plating intact. High areas like the center wreath show minimal wear. The red enamels are intact with only minor superficial chipping and small dings and the white enamels remain pristine. The order includes its time period suspension and uncut connection ring.
Order of the Red Star #219601
Made of silver and enamels. The order measures 48.64 mm in width, 47.02 mm in height and weighs 28.1 gram 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. This early variation has a separate round base ‘heel’ of the screw.
Outstanding preservation, retaining most details of the soldier and a subtle silver patina. Enamels are exceptionally intact, with only faint contact marks, remarkable for an early issue. The screw remains full length and the original silver screwplate fits seamlessly.
Medal for Combat Merit #147657
Made of solid silver and red lacquer. Measures 32.14 mm in diameter and 2.66 mm in thickness. The height of the medal is 36.72 mm including the eyelet and it weighs 21.1 grams without its suspension. This piece was originally awarded on a rectangular suspension which was replaced by a pentagon shaped one according to new 1943 regulations on wearing Soviet awards.
In well-kept condition with light wear to raised areas and most details perfectly visible. Small dings and scratches are present on both sides, and over half of the original red lacquer survives beneath some dirt. Features an intact connection ring and double-layer steel suspension.
Order Booklet
In excellent condition with all pages firmly attached to the cover. The booklet mentions all awards above and an Order of Lenin which is missing in this group.
Citation of the Order of the Red Star
Major ZAGORSKY I.F. is a veteran of the Courses. He has been working since the beginning of October 1941—initially in a command-combat role, and more recently as a tactics instructor.
Major ZAGORSKY went through the entire development of the Courses, enduring all the hardships of their formation, the Leningrad blockade period, and their transformation into a school for junior officers. He gave all his knowledge and his 25 years of service experience in the Red Army to this cause, having trained more than a hundred commanders.
His students distinguished themselves on the battlefields of the Leningrad Front. Many of them are now commanding platoons and companies, and have been awarded government decorations. As for Major ZAGORSKY himself—he persistently and tirelessly continued working to improve the quality of officer training.
For his exceptionally conscientious service and the great work he carried out in the Courses over two years, Major ZAGORSKY is worthy of the government award—the Order of the Red Star.
Citation of the Medal for Combat Merit
Brief, specific description of personal combat feat or merit:
Major ZAGORSKY I.F., serving in the Junior Lieutenant Courses from their earliest days, held the position of company commander from October 1941 to May 1942, and since May 1942, has served as a tactics instructor. He has proven himself to be a disciplined and capable officer.
During his service in the courses, Major ZAGORSKY has done significant work in training personnel to replenish the Red Army with mid-level commanders. Through his conscientious attitude to duty, personal competence, and active participation in socialist competition, Comrade ZAGORSKY has consistently ensured that lessons are conducted at a high level and that cadets receive quality training in tactics.
Thanks to his continuous support and individual work with underperforming cadets, Comrade ZAGORSKY has achieved a situation where there are no cadets lagging behind in his subject.
Major ZAGORSKY actively participates in social and party work and enjoys well-deserved respect among the course personnel. He has received several commendations from the course and army command.
More info on Major Zagorsky can be found here
A scan of a picture of Major Zagorsky was found online showing him wearing the awards above together with his missing Order of Lenin
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