Description
Order of Glory 3rd Class #79490
Awarded to Corporal Mikhail Yakovlevich Berezhnoy (Михаил Яковлевич Бережной)
For crossing the Oder river under enemy artillery fire and harsh conditions. He conducted vital reconnaissance, measuring the river’s profile while working waist-deep in ice-cold water. The following night, he helped construct a 60-ton bridge, installing 10 piles and laying 16 bearers. His dedication enabled the 3rd Guards Tank Army to cross the river successfully. His recommendation was approved by Marshall Rybalko!Â
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 46.79 mm in width, 48.86 mm in height including its eyelet and it weighs 22.5 grams without its suspension.
This early order is in a nice, about average condition considering it is an early piece. The enamels are well preserved without repairs and show some dings and superficial flaking only. The raised areas show strong wear but the shape of the tower and wreath are perfectly visible. Its reverse shows several dings and scratches but the serial number is clearly defined. Its connection ring has not been cut and the order comes with a time period double layer steel suspension.
Short, concrete description of his combat feat or merits:
On the night of 4 February 1945 Corporal Berezhnoy together with a group conducted reconnaissance of the Oder River for future construction of a 60-ton bridge. In difficult conditions under enemy artillery fire comrade Berezhnoy measured geographical profile of the river sometimes working waist-deep in ice-cold water. Comrade Berezhnoy completed the task on time.
On the night of 5 February 1945 comrade Berezhnoy selflessly constructed the bridge installing piles and laying bearers. Comrade Berezhnoy together with a construction team has installed ten piles and laid sixteen bearers. Private Berezhnoy work contributed to successful completion of the task and helped 3rd Guards Tank Army’s units to cross the river.
Comrade Berezhnoy deserves to be awarded with an Order of the Red Star.
Commander of 207th Independent Order of the Red Star Motorized Engineering Battalion
Major Mysyakov
06/02/1945
Deserves to be awarded with an Order of Glory, 3rd class.
Commander of 3rd Guards Tank Army
Guards Colonel General Rybalko [Marshal of the Armed Forces a few months later]
02/1945
The full translation of the research can be read here
More information on Corporal Berezhnoy can be found here
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