Description
Order of the Patriotic War 1st class #67573
Awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Ivan Yakovlevich Kisel (Иван Яковлевич Кисель)
For skillful command in breaking through deep enemy defenses and for personally demonstrating courage and bravery by leading from the front under fire. As a result the regiment eliminated 770 enemy troops, destroyed 37 machine-guns, 4 cannons, and 2 self-propelled guns, and successfully repelled numerous tank and infantry counterattacks
Made of solid gold, silver and enamels. Measures 45.53 mm in height, 43.71 mm in width and weighs 29.3 grams without its screwplate. The serial number is located at the 6 o’clock position and the mint mark Monetni Dvor is located at the 12 o’clock position of its reverse.
In nice condition with crisp details. The red enamels are gorgeous and well preserved with a minor superficial chip on the 3 o’clock ray of the red star only; barely noticeable with the naked eye. Its reverse is in equally nice condition with some contact marks only. Its late wartime screwpate fits well but its probably not native to the order.
Brief description of his feat of arms or achievements:
On 14.09.1944, the 184 rifle regiment, as part of the 56 rifle division, received the combat objective – attack in the direction of the village Vendi, force cross the river Väike Emajõgi, break through the deep enemy defence in this sector (north-west of the town Valga). Then, together with the forces of the 12 Guards rifle corps, to cut off the main road Hummuli-Valga, thus cutting in half the enemy force defending on the northern approaches of the town Valga.
The regiment was constantly engaging in battles for 4 days, breaking the enemy defence, eliminating the enemy troops and materiel. The regiment seized important German strongholds Vol Prav and Sooru, fortified in them and repelled numerous enemy counter-attacks by tanks and infantry. And thus fulfilled the given combat objectives.
In these engagements, the regiment eliminated up to 400 enemy troops, destroyed 12 machine-guns, burned 2 SPGs. The regiments personnel exhibited examples of courage and bravery.
During 22-27 September 1944, the regiment was pursuing the enemy and seizing important grounds.
On 22.09.1944, the regiment broke through the enemy defence by a flanking manoeuvre through the pass between the lakes Cepsu and Bezdibenis, thus aching its objectives. Enemy pursuit was organised skilfully. The regiment, tougher with the rest of he division, captured several significant enemy positions: villages Kemeri, Rencemuiza, Duteri, Dikli, Umurga. In these engagements, the regiment eliminated up to 370 enemy troops, destroyed 25 machine-guns and 4 cannons.
Personally, comrade KISEL is a skilful combat commander. Several times exhibited personnel courage and bravery, leading his regiment into battle under enemy artillery and rifle fire. Despite daily marches of 40-50 km in combat conditions, comrade KISEL was bringing his force to the objectives in good moral and ready for combat.
For skilful leadership during the combat operations for enemy defence breakthrough and enemy pursuit, for personal courage and bravery, he deserves a state award – order “RED BANNER”. [later downgraded to the Order of the Patriotic War 1st class]
The full translation of the citation can be read below:
More information on Lt. Col. Kisel can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery are a map and the combat journal of the 56 Rifle Division in September 1944
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