Description
Medal for Combat Merit #80447
Awarded to NKVD sniper Jr. Sergeant Pavel Markiyanovich Gladkij (Павел Маркиянович Гладкий)
For advancing to the forward line to the sector in immediate vicinity to enemy firing positions and eliminating 10 German occupants by his precise sniper fire in the process
Made of solid silver, brass and red lacquer. Measures 32.42 mm in diameter and 2.81 mm in thickness. The height of the medal is 36.72 mm and its eyelet is 5.36 mm in width. The medal weighs 22.9 gram without its suspension and 29.9 grams with the suspension but without the nut. The suspension measures 32.49 mm in width at its widest and 25.41 at its narrowest point.
The medal is in a nice, above average condition with medium overall wear. There are several small dings and scratches but nothing distracting from the overall appeal of the medal. Most details are still visible but the red lacquer filling the lettering is worn off. The brass suspension is original as is the screw, the nut, the plate holding the ribbon and the screw plate tightening it all up. Its brass connection ring is is original as well and has not been cut.
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or accomplishments
Comrade GLADKIJ proved in the battle against the German invaders his dedication to the cause of the Lenin-Stalin party and Socialist Motherland. Participating in combat engagements during the period from 29 August till 10 September 1942, he fought among the combat formations of 325 rifle regiment near the village Kharlanovo, Smolensk region. He proved himself as fearless and brave fighter against the German invaders. Under intensive enemy machine-gun and mortar fire, he advanced to the forward line to the sector in immediate vicinity to enemy firing positions and eliminated 10 German occupants by his precise sniper fire. For exhibited courage and bravery in the struggle against the German invaders, comrade GLADKIJ deserves state award medal “FOR COMBAT MERITS”.
Commander of NKVD troops of Western front rear area
signature /ZHUKOV/
The full translation of the research can be read below:
More info on Sgt. Gladkij can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery is a battle map of the 325th Rifle Division near Kharlanovo
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