Description
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #525004
Awarded Posthumously to Private Pyotr Pavlovich Kedrov (Петр Павлович Кедров)
For repelling an enemy attack on April 24, 1945, near Spreenhagen [Berlin], where he opened heavy fire on the Germans, killing up to 20 soldiers. When the enemy resumed their attack, pressing from two sides, he held his ground and continued firing on the advancing troops. However, a hand grenade explosion took the life of the young machine gunner
Made of solid silver, gold and enamels by the Krasnokamsk Mint (KMD). The order measures 44.55 mm in width, 46.70 mm in height and weighs 29.2 grams without its screwplate. Its serial number and mint mark are located on the bottom of its reverse.
In excellent condition with all its details still visible and an appealing patina to the silver on both sides. The red and white enamels are well preserved and show some minor dings and contact marks only, no repairs or chipping. Much of the gold plating on the lettering and edges of the 5 pointed star is still present. The order comes with its original, time period screwplate and its screw has not been shortened.
Brief description of his feat of arms or achievements:
In January 26, 1945, Pyotr Pavlovich Kedrov was drafted into the Red Army. He was 19 years old. A few months later, on 24 April 1945, he was in the town of Spreenhagen, quite close to Berlin. He was a machine gunner in the 339th Guards Rifle Regiment, 120th Guard Rifle Division.
SS-Kampfgruppe ‘Falke’ made a counter-attack on Spreenhagen, which had been captured by the Russians the day before. Kedrov sat ready behind his machine gun.
Citation:
“Comrade Kedrov repulsed the enemy attack near the village of Spreenhagen on April 24, 1945. When the enemy came close, he opened heavy fire on the Germans, who retreated, leaving up to 20 of their soldiers and officers dead on the battlefield. Subsequently, the enemy resumed the attack and moved around the flank of Comrade Kedrov’s machine gun. But he did not budge from his post. Although the enemy was pressing from two sides, he continued to fire on the advancing enemy, but the explosion of a hand grenade took the life of the young machine gunner. Comrade Kedrov fulfilled his duty to the Motherland to the end and died a heroic death.”
Kedrov was posthumously awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd class.
Kedrov is buried in Spreenhagen, Brandenburg, Germany
More info on Private Kedrov can be found here
Also included the picture gallery are scans of the irrecoverable loss reports and a relevant page from the Book of Memory
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