Description
Order of the Red Banner #156096
Awarded to HERO of the Soviet Union Major Alexander Kuzmich Algazin (Александр Кузьмич Алгазин)
For 62 night combat sorties, including 6 against enemy industrial sites; for flying in harsh conditions, bravery, training 12 young navigators, and returning from occupied territory after 3 shootdowns
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 45.53 mm in height, 37.41 mm in width and it weighs 26.1 grams without its suspension. The serial number and mint mark are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse.
In nice overall condition with light to medium wear to the raised areas like the center wreath and most details still perfectly visible. The white enamel is flawless and the red enamel mostly present apart from a chip on the 3 o’clock ray of the center star. Its connection ring has not been cut and the order comes with its time period double layer steel suspension and old ribbon.
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
Since July 11, 1941, he has been serving in the active Red Army. During this period, as part of the unit commanded by Hero of the Soviet Union, Guards Major Rumyantsev, he flew 62 combat sorties at night, of which 47 were performed after the last aircraft loss.
He conducted 6 sorties against enemy military-industrial facilities, including attacks on the plants in Tarnów (January 20, 1944), the 40th plant in Germany (April 20, 1944), the 43rd plant in Germany (April 23, 1944), the 37th plant in Germany (April 26, 1944), the 42nd plant in Germany (April 30, 1944), and the 43rd plant in Budapest (May 4, 1944).
Throughout his service, he flew day and night missions in difficult weather conditions. He demonstrated exceptional bravery and courage and provided training to 12 young navigators.
During combat operations, he was shot down three times over occupied territory, yet managed to return to his unit each time.
For successfully completing combat missions assigned by the front command, he is recommended for the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
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More info on Major Algazin can be found here, here and here
Short biography of Alexander Kuzmich Algazin:
Alexander Kuzmich Algazin
March 14, 1914 – April 23, 1985
Hero of the Soviet Union
Early Life and Education
Alexander Kuzmich Algazin was born on March 14, 1914, in the village of Golubovka, now known as the urban-type settlement of Komissarovka in the Perevalsky district of Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine, into a peasant family. He was Ukrainian by nationality and became a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) in 1943. Algazin completed incomplete secondary education and worked in various capacities, including as a locomotive fireman in Debaltseve and as a teacher in a boarding school.
Military Service
Pre-World War II
Algazin joined the Red Army in 1936 and participated in the Soviet-Finnish War of 1939-1940.
World War II
From July 1941, Algazin served in the Great Patriotic War. As a navigator of the 9th Guards Aviation Regiment (7th Guards Aviation Division, 3rd Aviation Corps, Long-Range Aviation), Guards Captain Algazin had completed 195 combat sorties by September 1943. He took part in raids on Berlin in August 1941 and targeted significant military installations deep within enemy territory.
Hero of the Soviet Union
By the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on September 18, 1943, for exemplary execution of combat missions on the front against Nazi invaders and for displaying courage and heroism, Guards Captain Alexander Kuzmich Algazin was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, the Order of Lenin, and the Gold Star medal (No. 1727).
Post-War Career
After the war, Algazin continued his service in the Air Force. In 1947, he graduated from the Officers’ Improvement Courses. In 1954, he retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Later Life and Legacy
Algazin resided in the city of Pryluky, Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine, where he passed away on April 23, 1985. He was buried in the “Novyi Pobut” (“New Life”) cemetery in Pryluky. His awards included the Order of Lenin, two Orders of the Red Banner, the Order of the Patriotic War 1st Class, two Orders of the Red Star, and various medals. In Pryluky, at the Memorial of Eternal Glory, plaques with portraits of Heroes of the Soviet Union—natives and residents of the city—include Algazin’s name.
Biography prepared by: Kirill Osovik
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