Description
Soviet Medal for Combat Merit #31237
Awarded to Lieutenant Grigory Moiseevich Naiko (Григорий Моисеевич Найко)
For bravery and successes during the beginning of the war against Germany
Naiko was reported MIA shortly after being awarded the medal
Made of solid silver. Measures 32.15 mm in diameter, 2.87 mm in thickness and 36.14 mm in height including the eyelet. The eyelet itself is 4.68 mm wide and the medal weighs 22.6 gram without its suspension. The minimum known serial number is 28996 and the maximum is 36446.
The medal is in pristine, well above average condition with virtually no dings and scratches. Its details are crisp and the red enamel filling the lettering is all present. The suspension is a replacement of a later type. Its original brass connection ring has not been cut and there have been no repairs.
Since Lt. Naiko was missed in action in 1942 the medal was only worn a very short time. This might explain its pristine condition. It was possibly taken as a war trophy while taken prisoner or after he died on the battlefield.
Next to impossible to upgrade. Probably the best quality medal with hand engraved serial number we have ever handled. Rare as such!
Brief and specific description of the personal feat or merits
“From the very first days of the war against the beastly Fascists, lieutenant NAIKO proved himself as a courageous and proactive officer. He exceptionally distinguished himself in the engagement on 26 November 1941 near the village Kryukovo. The enemy received extensive reinforcements during the night 25-26 November 1941. And on the morning 26 November 1941, the enemy attacked by a superior force and started to push back our rifle units. Our rifle units began retreating slowly. Comrade NAIKO, accompanied by the group of his spotters, assumed a position 200-300 meters on the flank and unleashed avalanche of fire by his battery at the advancing enemy force. Risking his life, he directed his fire at the pushing enemy for whole hour. The enemy gave in under the avalanche of artillery fire, abandoned the battlefield and returned to the initial position, leaving behind many dead and wounded. Comrade NAIKO exhibited such heroic feats on multiple occasions in the struggle against the beastly Fascists.
He deserves state award – order “RED STAR”. ”
The full translation of the research can be found below:
More info on Lieutenant Naiko can be found here
Naiko’s MIA report can be found in the picture gallery
Please contact us with questions regarding this object
