Description
Soviet Medal for Combat Merit #283664
Awarded to Sergeant Horse Driver Matvey Yegorovich Zhigunov (Матвей Егорович Жигунов)
Most likely awarded for deeds in the spring of 1943 in the Kharkov battle (the award could not be found) He Died on 11/21/1943 during the Kiev defensive operation
Made of solid silver. The medal itself measures 32.22 mm in diameter and 37.10 mm in height including the eyelet. It weighs 17.2 gram without its suspension and 23.1 gram with the suspension but without the nut. The eyelet is 5.74 mm in width and the suspension measures 25.14 mm in width at its narrowest point and 31.57 at its widest point.
Although the red lacquer is all gone, it is in excellent condition considering it is a ‘ground dug’. There are several small scratches and contact marks but its details are perfectly visible and crisp. Even the higher laying parts like the sword and sabre show light wear only. Its original suspension is made made from silver and its connection ring has not been cut. The medal comes with an original and well fitted screwplate.
Sgt. Zhigunov was a horse driver of 76mm artillery battery, 396 rifle regiment, 135 rifle division, 39 Army and this medal was most likely awarded for deeds in the spring of 1943 in the Kharkov battle (the award citation could not be found). He died on 11/21/1943 during the Kiev defensive operation– citation. It was dug out of the ground near Kiev.
More info on Sgt. Trubaev can be found here
For display purposes we can add a red ribbon to the suspension if requested (last image in the picture gallery)
Please contact us with questions
