Description
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #2307 (first variation)
Awarded to Sergeant Kuzma Efimovich Kutyrov (Кузьма Ефимович Кутыров)
For destroying a heavy tank and eliminating around 20 enemy submachine-gunners during an enemy attack near Tsitsina on 13 December 1942. Despite his gun crew being taken out and himself being wounded, Kutyrov continued firing killing an additional 15 enemy troops. After repelling the attack, he killed 7 more enemies with his personal firearm as they retreated
Sgt. Kutyrov was killed in action on 26 September 1944 and buried in Lithuania
Made of solid silver and gold. The order itself measures 43.32 mm in width, 47.27 mm in height including the eyelet and weighs 26.8 grams. The serial number is located at the 7 o’clock position on the reverse. The minimum known number of this first type is 1 and the maximum known number is 2350(!).
In worn, about average condition. Its details are still perfectly visible and even the raised parts like the hammer and sickle show light wear only. The white enamels are well preserved without flaking or repairs and the red enamels show the ‘usual’ repair on the 12 o’clock ray of the red star but are otherwise original. The suspension is a replacement for the original type 1 suspension which most likely broke off during combat. These were very fragile and for that reason taken out of production shortly after the establishment of the order. The eyelet on top of the order is still intact and this order has never been converted. Its stickpin is broken off but the remains of where it was attached is still visible.
Rare early variation with very interesting research
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
In the battle on 13 December 1942, repelling an enemy tank and infantry attack in the sector 1km south of the village Tsitsina, comrade KUTYROV fired directly with open sights and destroyed 1 heavy tank and eliminated up to 20 enemy submachine-gunners escorting the tank. In this combat engagement, his gun crew was taken out of action, and comrade KUTYROV was wounded in his arm. He remained at the gun with only one other artilleryman and continued firing at the enemy eliminating further 15 enemy troops.
When the enemy attack was repelled and the enemy began retreating to their initial positions, comrade KUTYROV eliminated 7 Hitlerites by the fire of his personal firearm.
He deserves state award order “PATRIOTIC WAR II CLASS”.
The full translation of the research can be read below:
More information on Sgt. Kutyrov can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery:
- an areal photo of the cemetery of Soviet soldiers in Žeimelis,
- a memorial book mentioning Kutyrov,
- the combat diary of the 41st Army on 13 December 1942,
- Kutyrov’s KIA report,
- an infosheet
Please contact us with questions
