Description
Soviet Medal for Combat Merit #334030
Awarded Radio technician master Sgt. Gleb Ivanovich Loptev (Глеб Иванович Лоптев)
Awarded for crawling under heavy enemy fire and delivering a new battery for the radio station while being wounded
Made of solid silver. Measurements; 32.35 mm in diameter and 2.27 mm in thickness. The height of the medal is 37.35 mm including the eyelet and it weighs 18.1 gram without its suspension.
The medal for Combat Merit is in great, well above average condition with very few small dings and scratches. Its details are remarkably crisp and most of the red lacquer is present. Its connection ring has been cut and its suspension is old but most likely a replacement.
Brief, concrete description of his accomplishments:
“Radio technician master LOPTEV Gleb Ivanovich is awarded for the engagement for the hill 197,5 on 24 February 1943. When the radio station batteries completely discharged, he, despite being wounded, crawled under heavy enemy fire and delivered a new battery for the radio station.”
Full translation of the research:
According to the register card Sgt. Loptev was issued a duplicate. This medal however is his original so it might have been lost in combat and found later. Also worth mentioning; Sgt. Loptev was registered as KIA, but in reality he survived and continued the service. His alleged grave and KIA report can be found in the picture gallery.
More information on Loptev can be found here
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