Description
Soviet Order of Bogdan Khmelnitsky 3rd class #4928
Awarded to Guards Master Sergeant Mikhail Mikhailovich Sidorov (Николай Васильевич Фадеев)
For repelling 3 enemy counter-attacks by a numerically superior force and personally killing 6 Hitlerites when crossing of the river Western Dvina after he replaced the platoon commander who was taken out of the action
Made of solid silver. It measures 46.01 mm in height, 45.10 mm in width and weighs 29.5 gram without its screwplate. The serial number and the mint mark Monetni Dvor are located at the 6 o’clock position on the reverse. The minimum know serial number is 3203 and the maximum number is 9890. On the 7 o’clock position of its reverse an ‘8’ is stamped, often referred to as a ‘makers mark’
This original order is in excellent, above average condition with most details still visible. The higher layer parts show light to medium wear only and its obverse has gathered an appealing dark layer of patina. Both sides have relatively few dings and scratches and there have been no repairs. Its screw has not been shortened and the order comes with its time period and well fitted silver screwplate.
A scarce piece with nice research!
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
In the forced crossing of the river Western Dvina on 25 June, MasterSergeant SIDOROV replaced a platoon commander, who was taken out of the action. Having crossed the river with his platoon, they repelled 3 enemy counter-attacks by a numerically superior force. In this engagement, Guards Master Sergeant SIDOROV personally eliminated 6 Hitlerites.
Guards Master Sergeant SIDOROV deserves state award – order “RED STAR”.
Commander of 219 Guards rifle regiment
Guards Colonel signature /ROSSOVSKY/ 20 July 1944
He deserves order “BOGDAN KHMELNITSKY III CLASS”
Commander of 71 Guards rifle division
Guards Colonel signature /IVANCHENKO/ 31 July 1944
Below you can find the full translation of the research:
More information on Sergeant Sidorov can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery are:
- Operation Bagration battle Wizebsk June 22-27 1944
- a picture at a school museum on the 71st Guards Rifle Division
- a Battle map of the Vitebsk–Orsha offensive
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