Description
Soviet Order of Alexander Nevsky #11950
Awarded to Guards Captain Semyon Grigorievich Soldatov (Семен Григорьевич Солдатов)
For exceptional courage and bravery and having huge successes with his battalion when conducting reconnaissance missions. A 1000 enemy troops were eliminated, 5 tanks (of which 3 tanks were “Tiger” type), 1 SPG and 200 trucks were destroyed, 700 prisoners captured as well as 50 trucks and 2 radio stations
Recommended for the Order of the Red Banner
Made of solid silver and enamels. It measures 51.44 mm in height, 49.82 mm in width and weighs 41.6 grams without its screwplate. The serial number and the mint mark Monetni Dvor are located at the 6 o’clock position underneath the screw.
In great condition with all details crisp and much gold plating present. Even the higher laying parts on the obverse show light wear only and the red enamel is flawless. The center medallion shows few dings and scratches and both sides have a nice patina to the silver. The screw has not been shortened and there have been no repairs. The order comes with its time period and well fitted silver screwplate.
Beautiful piece with interesting research. Scarce as such
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
In the battles for the towns Borisov, Minsk, Molodechno, Captain SOLDATOV commanded a reconnaissance motorcycle battalion and exhibited exceptional courage, bravery, and high combat skills. The battalion was advancing on the spearhead of the formation and conducted reconnaissance along the routes and had to clear the way forward by force on multiple occasions.
On 26.06.1944, in the forest north of Neklyudovo, a group of enemy submachine gunners was encircled and defeated, thanks to his skillful command. Engagement result: 60 enemies captured, 30 enemy troops killed.
On 28.06.1944, in the vicinity of the village Osinovka, a group of German troops defending a river crossing site supported by a “Ferdinand” type SPG and by an artillery battery was defeated. Boldly entering combat engagement, they completely defeated the German force. They destroyed the enemy SPG in the process and captured the river crossing site, such that our main force could cross the river without any casualties.
On 29.06.1944, his battalion was given a mission to reconnoiter the river crossing site near the village Staro-Yanchino and to determine if it fits for being crossed by our tanks. The assigned mission was successfully achieved and the defending enemy garrison was overran and defeated.
During the period form 03.07.1944 till 05.07.1944, the battalion conducted deep offensive raid from the area near Rakuv to Molodechno. Advancing faster, than the enemy could retreat, the battalion attacked enemy rear areas and defeated enemy units. This effort cleared the way to the main force of the tank corps. In this combat campaign, the battalion liberated the settlement Grudek and over 20 other settlements.
In this deep raid, an enemy column of 150 trucks with materiel and troops was destroyed, over 200 enemy troops eliminated, 50 prisoners captured.
As the result of this effort, the main tank corps force could cover the stretch from Rakuv to Molodechno in a rapid march.
In the combat engagements on the Borisov, Minsk, Molodeschno sectors, the battalion inflicted the following damage to the enemy: over 600 enemy troops killed, up to 1000 enemy troops scattered in a forested area, 5 tanks destroyed (of which 3 tanks were “Tiger” type), 1 SPG destroyed, 200 trucks destroyed. 700 prisoners captured, 50 trucks and 2 radio stations captured.
For skilful combat command and for personal bravery, exhibited in combat, he deserves state award – order “RED BANNER”.
The full translation can be read below:
More info about Captain Soldatov can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery are:
- a map of the 29th Tank Corps of 26-28 June 1944
- two maps of the 29th Tank Corps in July 1944
- a newspaper article on the liberation of Molodechno
- a the combat order of the 29th Tank Corpson on 15 September 1944
- a map of the 29th Tank Corps at Rakov – Molodecho
- the combat diary of the 29th Tank Corps of July 1944
Please contact us with questions
