Description
Order of Alexander Nevsky #11160
Awarded to Guards Captain Vasilij Ilyich Popugaev (Василий Ильич Попугаев)
For showing bravery and leadership when creating 8 safe passages through enemy barbed wire and 7 observation posts and for leading the crossing of the Western Bug River, successfully transporting troops to the other side in July 1944
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 51.09 mm in height, 49.17 mm in width and weighs 39.9 grams without its screwplate. The serial number and the mint mark Monetni Dvor are located at the 6 o’clock position underneath the screw. A stamped ‘8’ -often referred to as makers mark- is located next to the screwpost at a 5 o’clock position.
In nice condition with most details perfectly visible and an appealing patina to the silver. The raised parts on the center medallion featuring Alexander show light wear only and much of the original gold plating is still present. The enamels are generally well preserved and without repairs apart from a chip on the 12 o’clock ray of the red star which does not penetrate to the silver. Its screw has not been shortened and the order comes with its time period and well fitted silver screwplate.
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
In the enemy defence breakthrough operation near the village Milyanovichi, Guards Captain POPUGAEV and his battalion enabled the offensive operations of the division.
Under his personal command, there were created 8 safe passages in the enemy barbwire obstacles and constructed 7 observation posts for the division commander on different intermediate positions during the advance.
On 20 July 1944, during forced crossing of the river Western Bug, comrade POPUGAEV personally commanded the river crossing site and transported the troops to other bank.
Thanks to his personal bravery and skilful leadership, the river crossing by the division was a success.
For exhibited courage and bravery, for skilful leadership, comrade POPUGAEV deserves state award order “RED BANNER”.
The full translation of the research can be read below:
More info on Captain Popugaev can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery are:
- the combat diary of the 47th Guards Rifle Division (47GuRD)
- the combat diary of the 52nd Separate Guards Sapper Battalion (SGSB) on 18 July 1944
- maps of the 47GuRD near Milyanovichi
- a picture of Captain Popugaev
- a document with his signature
please contact us with questions
