Description
Soviet Order of Kutuzov 2nd Class #601
Awarded to Guards Colonel (and later General) Ivan Ivanovich Antsiferov (Иван Иванович Анциферов)
For breaking through the strong enemy fortification line at the Battle of KURSK, inflicting sever casualties and materiel losses upon the enemy with limited own losses and capturing 22 Tiger Tanks
The 97th Guard Rifle Division fought against the SS Grossdeutschland, SS Totenkopf, SS Adolf Hitler and SS Das Reich
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 47.70 mm in width, 49.22 in height and weighs 36.1 gram without its screwplate. The serial number and the mint Monetni Dvor are located on its reverse. The minimum known serial number for this 5-riveted variation is 429 and the maximum 1994. Only a few of those have their serial number at the 6 o’clock position.
This original order of Kutuzov is in excellent condition with light overall wear. There are several small contact marks but the higher laying parts like Kutuzov’s cheek and hair show their details perfectly well. The order has no repairs and its screw remained its full length. The enamels are fully present and problem free apart from some small dings and scratches, barely noticeable with the naked eye. Both sides show an attractive medium dark patina and the order comes with its time period an well fitted silver screwplate.
I. Brief and specific description of the personal feat or merits
During the combat campaign on the Belgorod sector since 12 July 1943 till now, the division under the direct command of Guards Col. ANTSIFEROV exhibited examples of courage and bravery. In the dark of the night of 16-17 July 1943 near the village Kochetovka /Kursk region/, the division overpowered the enemy guarding units, broke through the strong enemy fortification line, and routed the enemy forces. The division advanced much forward and took advantageous positions. This achievement enabled the neighbour units to advance forward confidently.
On the night of 07-08 August 1943, the division initiated a surprise attack at the enemy forces near Borisovka /Kursk region/ and captured the settlements: Borisovka, Novo-Borisovka, Hotmyzhsk, and others. This operation was realized thanks to the brave and decisive thrust delivered by the rifle regiments personnel as well as tight and efficient operational control executed by the division commander. In this operation, the division liberated a number of settlements and inflicted sever casualties and materiel losses upon the enemy, with limited own losses. Only in Borisovka the following enemy materiel was captured: 25 tanks /of which 22 were “Tiger” type/, 10 vehicles, 5 depots /ammunition, food, engineering equipment, tank spare parts/.
For efficient command of his unit and defeat of the enemy force, for exhibited courage and bravery, he deserves state award order “KUTUZOV II CLASS”.
The full translation of the research can be found below:
More information on Antsiferov can be found here, here and here
A documentary on Antsiferov can be viewed here
Several images of Antsiferov can be found in the picture gallery together with extensive additional research such as the combat history of the 97th Guard Rifle Division and its combat path, articles and short biographies
A street was named after Antsiferov in his city of birth ‘Yoshkar-Ola’, east of Moscow
Antsiferov was highly decorated and was awarded an Order of Bogdan Khmelnitsky 2nd class, Suvorov 2nd class, 3 Orders the Red Banner and other awards next to this Order of Kutuzov 2nd class
A truly amazing and rare piece of great historical significance!!
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