Description
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #169952
Awarded to Lt. Colonel Boris Ivanovich Kryukov (Борис Иванович Крюков)
For successfully defending the Ludchitsy village, carrying out offensives, and assuming command of a battalion. Despite constant German counter-attacks, Kryukov’s battalion achieved its objectives with minimal losses. Kryukov endured two wounds during the intense combat for Ludchitsy
After the war Lt. Col. Kryukov became head of POW camp 95
Krasnokamsky Mint (KMD) variation. Made of solid silver, gold and enamels. The order weighs 28.1 grams without its screwplate and measures 44.53 mm in width and 47.51 mm in height. Its serial number and curved mint mark in two lines can be found on the bottom of its reverse. The minimal known serial number of this variation is 135146 and the maximum number is 169988 (so this particular piece is one of the last ones).
In excellent condition with its details crisp. The enamels are well preserved and without repairs and show some contact marks and dings only. Its reverse is in equally nice condition and shows a gray toning to the silver. The order comes with its time period silver screwplate and its screw has not been shortened.
Brief and specific description of the personal feat or merits:
Defending the line near the village Ludchitsy (Gomel region) in the capacity of political commissar of 410 rifle regiment, 102 rifle division, 21 Army, Battalion Commissar KRYUKOV received a personal task to hold the defences in the sector and then capture of the village Ludchitsy, which would enable advance of the regiment.
Having organised the defence and then offensive towards the settlement Ludchitsy, comrade KRYUKOV assumed command of one of the rifle battalions. Despite German counter-attacks (up 3-4 per day), his battalion accomplished its mission with low personnel and materiel losses, and enabled the whole regiment in its advance.
For exemplary execution of the given missions, the command of 67 rifle corps, 21 Army, previously recommended comrade KRYUKOV for order “RED BANNER”.
In the combat engagement for the village Ludchitsy, he sustained simultaneously 2 wounds, one light and one severe.
The full translation of the research can be found below:
More information on Lt. Col. Kryukov can be found here
The following is also included in the picture gallery:
- two maps of the 102nd Rifle Division, 21st Army on 17-18 July 1941 and 18-19 July
- two pictures of Hungarian and Italian POW memorial sites in Usman
- an info sheet pinpointing the sites
Please contact us with questions
