Description
Group of an Order of the Red Star and Medal for Bravery
Awarded to Captain Georgy Ilyich Kresan (Георгий Ильич Кресан)
For showing exceptional courage and composure, maintaining frontline communication under heavy enemy fire near Bryansk in 1941, even after being wounded. In the pivotal Battle of Kursk in 1943, he ensured swift coordination between command and units, directly contributing to operational effectiveness under extreme battlefield pressure
The group consists of the following items:
Order of the Red Star #213780
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 48.09 mm in width, 46.38 mm in height and weighs 28.7 gram without its screwplate. The mint mark is located above, and the serial number underneath the screw post. This early variation has a round base ‘heel’ of the screw.
The order is in worn but decent condition with light to medium wear on its center medallion and an appealing dark patina to the silver on both sides. The enamels are problem free without repairs apart from the 3 o’clock ray which shows substantial chipping. Its screw has not been shortened the order comes time period and well fitted silver screwplate.
Medal for Bravery #61522
Made of solid silver. Measures 37.14 mm in diameter and 2.72 mm in thickness. The height of the medal is 41.62 mm (including the eyelet) and it weighs 30.1 gram without its suspension. The suspension measures 25.67 mm in width at its narrowest point and 31.83 at its widest point.
In nice condition with medium wear and several dings and scratches on both sides. The details of the raised areas like the rivets on the side of the tank and the canons are mostly present. The red lacquer filling the letters is mostly worn down and only a small part is still present. All parts of the suspension are original including the rectangular plate, small hexagon nut and screwplate. Its connection ring has not been cut.
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Translation of the citation for the Order of the Red Star:
Comrade Kresan, during the period of brigade’s combat actions on the Voronezh Front (Belgorod axis) since 05.07.1943, has at all times been been situated within the combat units, aiding Command in the organization of communications and coordination with other combat arms. All orders and combat instructions sent by brigade command Comrade Kresan has quickly and competently delivered to the commanders of units, in spite of the complexity of the situation. In battle he carries himself calmly. He keeps his head in challenging circumstances. Comrade Kresan deserves the government award the Order of the Red Star.
Translation of the citation for the Medal for Bravery:
Comrade KRESAN, communications officer of the brigade headquarters, ensured uninterrupted communications in combat between the headquarters and subordinate units. Comrade KRESAN was always with the units on the front line. As soon as a unit was assigned a combat mission, he would go with them and ensure stable communication regardless of enemy fire.
Despite the intensity of enemy fire from all types of weapons, Comrade KRESAN not only restored broken communication lines but also remained near the unit commander, providing communication until the end of the assigned mission.
Due to his selflessness and courage, communication with the units was reliable and the best among all types of communications.
Before this, Comrade KRESAN participated in battles near the city of Bryansk, where he was seriously wounded. Comrade KRESAN is a brave and devoted son of the Lenin-Stalin Party and of the Socialist Motherland. He has proven this by shedding blood on the battlefield. He personally participated in attacks and the extermination of fascists in dugouts.
The citations for his other awards are also included in the picture gallery (see the last three images). Here’s a brief summary:
Between December 1943 and March 1944, Captain Kresan repeatedly risked his life maintaining frontline communications during major Red Army offensives on the 1st Ukrainian Front. Operating alongside tanks under fire, he enabled command coordination, repaired lines under enemy fire, and contributed directly to battlefield success – including capturing enemy personnel and helping secure key river crossings.
More info on Captain Kresan can be found here and the combat Log and report on combat operations of the 49th Tank Brigade here and here
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