Description
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #406668
Awarded to Sr. Lieutenant of medical corps Fedor Petrovich Smirnov (Федор Петрович Смирнов)
For providing first aid under fire, evacuating 3 officers and 6 soldiers from his battalion, 4 officers and 14 soldiers from other units, and rescuing wounded men from damaged tanks during battles near the Oder River between 10–24 March 1945
Made of solid silver, gold and enamels. The order weighs 26.2 grams without its screwplate and measures 45.51 mm in width and 48.42 mm in height.
In excellent, well above average condition with its details crisp. The red and white enamels are very well preserved and show minor dings and contact marks only. The gold hammer and sickle is original and firmly attached and the order comes with its time period and well fitted screwplate. There have been no repairs and its screw has not been shortned.
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or accomplishments:
In the battles during 10-24 March 1945, for the expansion of the bridgehead on the western bank of the Oder River and also during assault on German fortified stronghold in the town Klessin, comrade SMIRNOV exhibited examples of courage and bravery.
Following directly with the combat tank crews, he constantly monitored the condition of the battalion’s personnel. In cases where soldiers or officers were wounded, comrade SMIRNOV provided first aid. He personally organised evacuation of the wounded officers of his battalion from the battlefield: 3 officers and 6 enlisted men. And also wounded from the supported units: 4 officers and 14 enlisted men, whom he rendered first aid and arranged evacuation to the rear for treatment.
Repeatedly, acting under enemy fire, he pulled wounded soldiers from tanks hit by enemy and gave them medical aid.
For his courage and bravery, he deserves state award order “PATRIOTIC WAR I CLASS”.
The full translation of the research can be read below
More info on Lt. Smirnov can be found here
Also featured in the photo gallery are the combat path of the 68th Tank Brigade (Moscow–Berlin–Budapest), a map showing the brigade near Lebus on 15 February 1945, the brigade’s combat diary, and two online-sourced photos of Lt. Smirnov wearing his Order of the Patriotic War
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