Description
Order of Kutuzov 2nd Class #972
Awarded to Major General of Aviation Sergei Favstovich Buzylev (Сергей Фавстович Бузылев)
For successfully commanding his division in multiple operations, conducting hundreds of combat sorties, destroying significant enemy equipment, supplies, and infrastructure. Buzylev was highly decorated and also flew as a pilot during the Spanish Civil War
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 46.81 mm in width, 48.15 in height and weighs 38.3 grams without its screwplate. The serial number is located at the 5 o’clock position and the mint Monetni Dvor at the 12 o’clock position of its reverse. The minimum known serial number for this variation is 429 and the maximum 1994.
This original order of Kutuzov is in excellent condition with an appealing medium patina to the silver on both sides. The raised parts like Kutuzov’s head show light wear and most details are clearly visible. The red and white enamels are very well preserved and without repairs and show a tiny superficial chip above the ‘V’ (B) in Kutuzov (Кутузов) only. Its screw has not been shortened and the order comes with its time period and well fitting silver screwplate.
Brief and specific description of the personal feat or merits
Colonel BUZYLEV has been participating actively in the Patriotic war since 22 June 1941. He has been a division commander since March 1943. He was bestowed with 2 state orders for excellent performance in combat missions on the Central and Belorussian fronts. Since his latest award in February 1944, colonel BUZYLEV dedicated all his energy to preparation of his division for combat operations, accentuating efforts on increasing skill levels of the freshmen aviators. Participating in the Bobruysk operation from 14 June to 05 July 1944, his division conducted 236 combat sorties and dropped 129.7 tons of bombs. As the result of successful missions, there were destroyed and damaged the following: 50 vehicles, 8 horse carriages, 14 railway wagons, 3 field guns, 13 fuel and ammunition depots, 41 explosion and fires ignited, 1 river crossing site. Our own losses amounted to 3 lost “Boston” aircrafts and 7 crew members. On the Kovel sector during 18-23 July 1944, his division conducted 340 combat sorties and dropped 226 tons of bombs. As the result of this effort, there were destroyed: 96 vehicles, 20 horse carriages, 46 railway wagons, 8 anti-aircraft cannons, 5 fuel and ammunition depots, 8 explosion and fires ignited, 3 river crossing sites, and up to 120 enemy troops. Our losses in return consisted of 9 “Boston” aircrafts.
Colonel BUZYLEV personally conducted 6 combat sorties as a leader of bomber formations in this combat period. For successful execution of the combat missions in the Bobruysk operation and in the enemy defence breakthrough on the Kovel sector, the Supreme Commander in Chief comrade STALIN declared 5 gratitudes. And 8 Guards bomber aviation regiment was bestowed with order “Red Banner”.
For skilful command of his regiments during combat operations against the enemy troops and for low sustained materiel and personnel losses in difficult circumstances during the Bobruysk operation, which assisted advance of our ground troops to the West, he deserves state award order “KUTUZOV II CLASS”.
The complete tranalation of the research can be read below:
More information on Buzylev can be found here, here and here
Also in the picture gallery is the combat diary of the 221st Bomber Aviation “Bahmach” Division together with several pictures of Buzylev. SOme show him wearing this Order of Kutuzov
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