Description
Medal for Bravery #219548
Awarded to Sergeant Vasilij Ivanovich Ekimov (Василий Иванович Екимов)
For demonstrating courage during the combat near Lake Barskoe on 22-23 July 1943. Despite heavy enemy artillery fire, he skillfully conducted reconnaissance, quickly identifying enemy positions. This enabled his battery to destroy a machine gun, a mortar battery, and two pillboxes
Made of solid silver and lacquer. Measures 37.24 mm in diameter, 2.81 mm in thickness and 41.94 mm in height including its eyelet. The eyelet itself is 5,63 mm wide and the medal weighs 26.9 grams without its suspension.
In decent condition. The details of the raised parts like the tank show strong wear but are mostly visible. Both sides show several dings and scratches and the red lacquer filling the lettering is worn off. Its connection ring however is original and has not been cut.
This medal was originally on a rectangular suspension and was replaced with a new one to comply with the new 1943 regulations of wearing Soviet awards.
Short translation of the research:
Senior Sergeant commander of the 3rd artillery squadron reconnaissance EKIMOV Vasilij Ivanovich, who exhibited courage in the combat engagement near the lake Barskoe during 22-23 July 1943. Disregarding his personal safety, he skilfully conducted reconnaissance and observation despite the very intensive enemy artillery fire and quickly detected the enemy positions, which allowed the battery to destroy one machine-gun, one mortar battery, and 2 pillboxes.
The full translation of the citation can be found here
More information on Sgt. Ekimov can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery are scans of combat diaries of the 5th mortar brigade in July 1943 and of lake Barskoe
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