Description
Group of Soviet awards: Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class, Order of Glory 3rd class and 2 Bravery Medals
Awarded to Guards Sergeant Dmitri Mikhailovich Karkuzachvili (Дмитрий Михайлович Каркузашвили)
For exceptional bravery in laying mines that destroyed enemy supply trucks, clearing multiple minefields under fire, and leading assaults on fortified positions. Also recognized for solo reconnaissance missions under machine gun and tank fire, and rescuing a wounded comrade from enemy trenches during battle. A true Rambo
This group consists of the following items:
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #765291
Made of gold, silver and enamels. Measures 45.85 mm in height, 43.72 mm in width and weighs 25.9 grams without its screwplate.
In good, vintage condition with medium overall wear and a nice toning to the silver on both sides. The red and white enamels are problem free without repairs or chipping and show some dings and scratches only. The screw of the order has not been shortened and the order comes with its time period screwplate.
Order of Glory 3rd class #79630
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 47.15 mm in width, 49.20 in height and weighs 24.7 grams.
In above average condition considering it is an early piece. It shows medium to strong wear to the raised areas but a fair amount of details still visible. The enamels are fully present without repairs and show some superficial chipping only. Its connection ring has no been cut.
Medal for Bravery #1069844
Made of solid silver. Measures 42.37 mm in height including its eyelet, 37.40 mm in width and it weighs 24.8 grams.
In good overall condition with medium wear to the raised areas and a beautiful rainbow patina to the silver. The medal shows several small dings and scratches on both sides and all of the red lacquer filling the letters CCCP is worn off. Its connection ring has not been cut.
Medal for Bravery #3237516
Made of solid silver. Measures 42.77 mm in height including its eyelet, 37.33 mm in width and it weighs 27.2 grams.
In similar condition as he previous Medal for Bravery with medium to strong wear to the raised ares and uncut connection ring.
Research to the Order of Glory 3rd class:
Comrade Karkuzachvili took part in the war from 24.12.1943. In the battle with the German invaders he showed the example of bravery and heroism particularly during the following events:
On 27.03.44 in “Frampol” region [Poland] he was part of the anti-Tank regiment, he laid mines in front of the moving German supply columns destroying several trucks two of which carrying ammunition. He also shot and killed three Germans with his machine gun.
From 15.5.44 until 20.06.1944 he was part of the reconnaissance team. He showed bravery and determination, and with little consideration for his own safety, he and his comrades attached enemy machine gun positions and fortifications showing high example of bravery and fearlessness.
On 23.06.44 In the “Valechizna” area, he cleared two lanes in the minefield, and despite suffering a concussion he did not leave the battlefield, continued accompanying the infantry and was the first to step into the enemy trenches inspiring his comrades to accomplish more achievements. As a result of their actions, they captured four enemy soldiers.
For excellently executing the military orders, and clearing two lanes through the minefields and the barb wired fields comrade Karkuzachvili is suitable to be awarded with the governmental “Order of the Patriotic War 1st Class” [later downgraded to an Order of Glory]
Research to the Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class:
Comrade Karkuzachvili during his service with the batallion from December 1943 proved to be as a strong and decisive sapper scout.
On December 30, 1944 in the village of “Kostselnya”, in “Sandomierz, Place D’armes” [Poland] he was tasked to explore the enemy’s front defense line. While under enemy fire 15 meters away from their trenches he located two mine fields and identified the borders. He personally cleared 13 mines.
On 11.01.1945, in the surroundings of hill 152 “Sandomierz, Place D’armes” [Poland], within a very short distance from the enemy trenches and under machine gun fire he managed to inspire the fighters from his regiment, clearing 29 anti-tank mines creating a 9 meters lane into the enemy barb wires.
On 14.02.1945 on the west bank of the “Oder” river in the “Vorwerk” region, he was tasked to explore the river “Bóbr”. Under enemy fire he managed to map the place in detail.
On 15.02.1945, he was the first to cross the “Bóbr” pulling a rope across the river for the crossing boat. Working in ice-cold water up to his chest, and despite the enemy fire he was motivating his comrades to complete the docks building on the river bank in a faster manner.
For the exemplary accomplishment of the combat orders he deserves to be nominated for the governmental award: “The order of the Patriotic War 2nd class”
Research to the Bravery Medal #1069844:
Comrade Karkuzachvili took part in the war from December 1943. In the battle with the German occupants he demonstrated bravery and courage especially on the following occasions:
From 10.02.44 until 25.02.44 while executing his orders with the reconnaissance team and with full disregard to his own safety acted bravely and decisively taking a prisoner and attacking the enemy machine-gun fire points.
On 11.03.44 while conducting a reconnaissance mission in “Markovtsy” village on the “Yuzhnybug” river [Ukraine] in order to identify the shallow river areas suitable for building a crossing bridge he volunteered to conduct this mission by himself. He was immersed in the cold water up to his chest while being under constant machine gun and tank fire. He managed to identify the ideal location where a crossing bridge was later built. As a result of this the armed units managed to cross the river and establish a secure position.
On the night of the 27.03.44 – 28.03.44, while executing his commander’s orders, Comrade Karkuzachvili was the first from the reconnaissance team to infiltrate an enemy position assessing the number of troops and their defensive capabilities. He returned to his unit with accurate information which allowed them to conduct a successful attack on the enemy position, inflicting heavy casualties to its occupants.
For the exemplary execution of the military orders, he is worth to be awarded the medal “For Bravery”
Research to the Bravery Medal #3237516:
During his service with the engineering reconnaissance team from December 1943, comrade Karkuzachvili, in the battle against the German occupants, showed more than once the example of courage and heroism especially:
From 14 to 17/10/44 in the area of VLOSTUV DZEROPENIA along with the reconnaissance team he bravely and decisively executed the task of identifying the enemy defenses on the front line. He spotted five enemy mine fields, barb-wired obstacles and constructions.
On 19/10/44 in the area of DZEROPENIA, while accompanying the reconnaissance team, acting bravely and decisively, he cleared a path through the ennemy’s minefield. He bravely removed the mines and without delay managed to enter in the ennemy’s trenches along with the reconnaissance group.
On 25/10/44 in VLOSTUV area, being part of the joint reconnaissance team, cleared a path through the minefield, and showing the example of heroism he was the first among the joint reconnaissance team members to attack the ennemy’s firing position.
On 27/10/44 in the area of DZEROPENIA he accompanied a diversion reconnaissance team through the ennemy’s minefield. Acting bravely and decisively during the battle he extracted a wounded scout from the enemy trenches despite heavy fire. Comorade Karkuzachvili did not leave his wounded comorade in the battlefield.
For the exemplary execution of his military orders in de-mining and accompanying the joint reconnaissance team, comrade Karkuzachvili is worth to be awarded the Order of the Patriotic War II Class. [Later downgraded to the Medal for Bravery]
More information on Sgt. Karkuzachvili can be found here
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