Description
Order of the Patriotic War 1st class #28453
Awarded to Lieutenant Khairullo Gabitov (Хайрулла Габитов)
For constantly being among the combat formation despite being wounded. He frustrated the enemy counter-attack by rolling his gun to an open sights position allowing a tank to approach at 200m distance and then destroyed it with 8 direct hits. From 1941 till 1943 Lt. Gabitov was involved in partisan activities after escaping a POW camp
Made of solid gold, silver and enamels. Measures 45.14 mm in height, 43.33 mm in width and it weighs 29.1 grams without its screwplate. The serial number is located at the 6 o’clock position and the mint mark Monetni Dvor at the 12 o’clock position of its reverse.
In great condition with crisp details and light overall wear. Even the higher laying parts like the hammer and sickle has its details perfectly preserved. Both the white and red enamels are problem free and without repairs, chipping or flaking and shows several small contact marks only. Its screw has not been shortened and the order comes with its silver screwplate which fits perfectly well.
Excellent example of a very early screwback Order of the Patriotic war with interesting research. Scarce as such
Brief description of his feat of arms or achievements:
“Lieutenant GABITOV’s anti-tank artillery platoon is the inseparable companion of our advancing rifle units.
Participating in the battles during 21-26 March 1944 and despite being wounded on 23 March 1944, he was constantly among the combat formation and cleared the way forward by eliminating and suppressing the enemy firing positions by his units precise fire.
On 24 March, the enemy attempted to flank our infantry. He and a cannon crew manned an isolated position without rifle troops support and shot up to a platoon of enemy infantry forcing them to retreat to their initial position.
On 25 March, near the village Oliiv, the enemy attempted a counter-attack supported by 2 tanks. Having rolled his gun to an open sights position on an open terrain and operation himself as a gun commander, he allowed the tank to 200m distance and then destroyed it with 8 direct hits, the tank crew was eliminated, and the enemy counter-attack was frustrated.
For high military skill, for determination, for courage and bravery, he deserves state award order “PATRIOTIC WAR I CLASS”.”
The full translation of the research can be read below:
Worth mentioning: Lt. Gabitov was declared MIA as he was encircled by the enemy in August 1941 as part of the 27th Rifle Corps, Southern Front. He was taken prisoner and (apperently) managed to escape. He participated in partisan activities from 19 September 1941 till 25 September 1943 and was readmitted in the Red Army after that. For these partisan activities he received a Medal for Bravery.
More info on Lt. Gabitov can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery are:
- two scans of images of Lt. Gabitov,
- a map of the 246th Rifle Division of 21-24 March 1944,
- a map of the 908th Rifle Regiment, 246th Rifle Division on 28 March 1944,
- MIA report of Lt. Gabitov,
- combat diary of the 246th Rifle Division
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