Description
Order of Alexander Nevsky #6023
Awarded to Major Stepan Guryevich Zyuzin (Степан Гурьевич Зюзин)
For destroying an enemy artillery battery, capturing four cannons and ammunition, and enabling the seizure of Terny. He repelled eight counterattacks near Schuchya Greblya, inflicting heavy losses including a battalion of troops, two APCs, and three cannons. At the Dnieper bridgehead, he repelled six tank-supported counterattacks, destroyed a heavy tank, six firing positions, and eliminated about 70 enemy troops
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 49.55 mm in height, 48.26 mm in width and it weighs 38.2 gram without its screwplate.
In excellent, well above average condition with sharp details and an attractive dark patina on the silver. The raised features on the obverse, such as Nevsky’s head, show only light wear and minimal contact marks. A significant portion of the original gold plating remains, though partially obscured by the patina. The enamel is well preserved with no repairs, showing only minor dings and scratches. The long screw post is unshortened, and the order includes its original period silver screwplate.
The “Monetni Dvor” mint mark appears directly beneath the screw post and was mistakenly struck three times by the mint—a rare error!
The awardee polished the rivets on the reverse, likely to prevent damage to his tunic. This has no impact on the order’s structural integrity, which remains solid and secure.
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
In the battle for town Terny on 06 September 1943, he commanded the artillery troops of 745 rifle regiment. Firing from open sights positions, he destroyed 1 enemy artillery battery and captured during the fight 4 intact enemy cannons and 10 horse carriages with ammunitions (mortar mines and artillery shells). The captured mortar mines were immediately utilised to fire at the enemy. In this combat engagement, our artillery eliminated up to a company of enemy troops, 5 firing positions, and enabled successful advance of our infantry and seizures of town Terny.
15 September 1943, near the settlement Schuchya Greblya, the artillery troops of 745 rifle regiment under ZYUZIN’s command, repelled 8 enemy counterattacks supported by tanks, while firing from open sights positions and operating under intensive enemy fire. The enemy lost up to a battalion of troops, 2 APCs knocked out, and 3 cannons with the crews.
Operating on the right Dnieper bank bridgehead since 06 October 1943, he commanded 190 separate anti-tank artillery squadron. His skilful deployment of troops and personally conducted field reconnaissance assisted in repelling 6 enemy counter-attacks supported by tanks near the village Strakholesie during 07-08 October and near the village Pilyava during 14-15 October 1943. His artillery battery eliminated up to 70 invaders, 6 firing positions and 1 heavy tank.
He deserves state award order “ALEKSANDER NEVSKY”.
The full translation of the citation can be read here
More info on Major Zyuzin can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery are info sheets, combat diaries of the 141st Rifle Division and 745th Rifle Regiment, his autograph, and several digital photos of Major Zyuzin found online – some showing him wearing this Order of Nevsky.
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